Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates spoke openly at a Gates Foundation town hall about his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, apologised for the relationship, and admitted he made a serious mistake by introducing foundation executives to him.

New Delhi: In a rare and direct address to his own organisation, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates spoke to employees of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation about his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. During a staff town hall meeting, Gates apologised and called his decision to meet Epstein a “huge mistake” that has damaged the foundation’s reputation.

The Town Hall That Drew Attention

The foundation was holding its regular biannual town hall, where staff members usually ask questions about topics like artificial intelligence and global health. However, this time, employees raised questions after the US Department of Justice released new Epstein-related files in early February 2026.

The documents reportedly included hundreds of references to Gates, such as emails, meeting schedules, and photographs. According to a recording reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, Gates used the meeting to respond openly and take responsibility for his actions.

What Gates Told Employees

Gates clearly stated:

• “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit.”
• “To be clear, I never spent any time with victims, the women around him.”
• “I apologise to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made.”

He admitted that meeting Epstein and allowing foundation executives to meet him was a “huge mistake.” He said the decision has created a long-lasting shadow over the foundation’s charitable work.

Personal Admissions

During the same session, Gates also admitted that he had two extramarital affairs with Russian women during his 27-year marriage to Melinda French Gates. He said Epstein later became aware of these relationships. However, Gates stressed that these affairs had no link to Epstein’s crimes or victims.

He also clarified that photos found in the Epstein files, which show him with women whose faces were hidden, were taken at Epstein’s request after meetings and included his own assistants.

How the Relationship Started and Ended

• 2011: Gates first met Epstein at his Manhattan mansion. This happened three years after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor. Foundation colleagues introduced them. After the meeting, Gates emailed colleagues describing Epstein’s lifestyle as “intriguing” but said it was “not for me.”
• 2011–2014: Gates attended several dinners and meetings with Epstein. They discussed a possible donor-advised fund that would bring together money from billionaires to support global health projects. Epstein claimed he could attract major donations.
• Outcome: The proposed fund was never created. No money was paid, and no formal partnership happened. Gates ended contact around late 2014 after realising that Epstein’s ideas were not legitimate.

Gates also said his former wife had always been sceptical about the relationship with Epstein.

Foundation’s Official Response

A spokesperson for the Gates Foundation told Reuters that Gates spoke honestly during the town hall and took responsibility for his actions.

The foundation said only a small number of employees interacted with Epstein because he claimed he could bring in large donations. It also clarified that Epstein never received any payments and was never employed by the foundation.

Melinda’s Reaction

In a recent NPR podcast interview, Melinda French Gates said the repeated release of Epstein files has reopened “painful times” from her marriage. She added that she is “so happy to be away from all the muck” and said any remaining questions should be answered by Gates and others involved.

Bigger Questions for Philanthropy

Gates has previously called his relationship with Epstein a “serious error in judgment” and “foolish.” However, this internal apology to staff is seen as a new level of openness at the world’s largest private foundation, which manages over $50 billion in funds for health, poverty reduction, and artificial intelligence initiatives.

For employees and donors, Gates’ statement directly addresses concerns about the foundation’s reputation. For the broader charity and philanthropic community, the issue raises important questions about how influential people choose their associates and how personal mistakes can affect public trust.

No Epstein victims have accused Gates of wrongdoing, and he faces no criminal charges related to Epstein.

A Public Reckoning

Even years after Epstein’s 2019 death, new file releases continue to create headlines. Gates’ latest comments show both regret and a desire to defend himself.

Whether this apology will fully restore trust in the Gates Foundation or continue to keep the controversy alive remains uncertain. But Gates has made one point clear to his staff: even mistakes that are not criminal can have serious and lasting consequences.

Also Read on jabalpur today: Decoding the Epstein Files: What the Unsealed Documents Reveal and Why Questions Still Remain