Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist, has issued a public apology to staff of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for his past associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. During a town hall meeting held on Tuesday, Gates described his decision to spend time with Epstein and involve foundation executives in meetings as a "huge mistake."
Gates Addresses Epstein Relationship and Allegations
According to a recording reviewed by the Wall Street Journal, Gates expressed remorse, stating, "I apologize to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made." He emphasized that his relationship with Epstein was "the opposite of the values of the Foundation and the goals of the Foundation," noting the reputational sensitivity of their global health work.
Gates denied any involvement in Epstein's crimes, asserting, "To be clear, I never spent any time with victims, the women around him." However, he acknowledged that Epstein had asked him to take photos with women whose faces were later redacted in released files.
Admission of Affairs and Extortion Attempt
In a candid revelation, Gates admitted to two extramarital affairs during the town hall. He disclosed relationships with a Russian bridge player, Mila Antonova, whom he met at bridge events, and a Russian nuclear physicist encountered through business activities. Gates revealed that Epstein had attempted to extort him over the affair with Antonova after failing to persuade Gates to join a multi-billion-dollar charity fund.
"The tone of the message was that Epstein knew about the affair and could expose it," Gates recounted, referencing a 2023 Journal report. He also mentioned that Epstein boasted about intimate relationships with many billionaires, particularly from Wall Street, and claimed he could assist in fundraising for causes like global health.
Background and Scrutiny of Epstein Ties
Gates began meeting with Epstein in 2011, despite Epstein's 2008 guilty plea for soliciting a minor for prostitution. Gates admitted he was aware of some "18-month thing" limiting Epstein's travel but did not conduct a thorough background check. The justice department's recent release of files, including emails from Epstein alleging Gates contracted a sexually transmitted infection and sought antibiotics for his then-wife Melinda, has intensified scrutiny. Gates has denied these allegations.
A foundation spokesperson confirmed that Gates holds town halls twice a year and "spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail, and took responsibility for his actions." Gates reflected that the presence of other prestigious figures at meetings with Epstein made the situation seem normalized, contributing to his error in judgment.
