Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates addressed his controversial relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during an employee meeting at his charitable foundation, according to statements released Tuesday by the organization’s representatives.
A foundation spokesperson confirmed that Gates acknowledged his errors regarding connections to the late financier during a staff town hall session, responding to a Wall Street Journal article detailing the billionaire’s remarks to employees.
Justice Department documents previously revealed that Gates and Epstein held multiple meetings following Epstein’s incarceration, with discussions centered around expanding the tech mogul’s charitable work.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Gates described his association with Epstein as a significant error in judgment, particularly regretting involving Gates Foundation leadership in encounters with the convicted criminal. The publication cited audio recordings from the employee meeting.
“I apologize to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made,” Gates stated, according to the newspaper’s account.
The Journal’s reporting also indicated that Gates disclosed having extramarital relationships with two Russian women that Epstein later learned about, though Gates clarified these situations did not involve any of Epstein’s victims.
“I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit,” Gates reportedly told foundation staff.
Justice Department materials included photographs showing the Microsoft founder with unidentified women whose faces were obscured. Gates has consistently maintained that his interactions with Epstein focused solely on philanthropic matters, while acknowledging the poor decision to meet with him.
Gates explained to employees that the photographs were taken at Epstein’s request with individuals described as Epstein’s assistants following their business discussions, according to the Journal.
“To be clear I never spent any time with victims, the women around him,” Gates added, per the report.
The Gates Foundation representative told Reuters that the employee meeting covered various topics, including questions about the recently released Epstein documentation.
“In the town hall, Bill spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail, and took responsibility for his actions.”
The spokesperson indicated that Gates provided thorough responses during the session and confirmed that the foundation’s public statement reflected the billionaire’s comments to staff.
The foundation previously stated this month that it never provided financial compensation to Epstein or employed him in any capacity.
Gates also withdrew from a scheduled keynote presentation at India’s AI Impact Summit last week, just hours before his planned appearance.
Established in 2000 by Gates and his former spouse, the Gates Foundation operates as one of the globe’s largest supporters of international health programs, with Gates serving as chairman.
