Bill Gates called his Jeffrey Epstein association a “huge mistake” during an emotional apology to Gates Foundation staff. The Microsoft co-founder admitted the relationship damaged the nonprofit’s reputation. He also revealed two extramarital affairs with Russian women while married to Melinda French Gates.
The Apology That’s Making Headlines
Gates spoke frankly with foundation employees. He admitted two extramarital affairs with Russian women. These happened while he was married to Melinda French Gates.
He made one thing clear: the affairs had nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein. They did not involve Epstein’s victims. He denied any illicit conduct.
Gates also stressed he never witnessed wrongdoing by Epstein. He denied involvement in any criminal activity. But he expressed deep regret. Why? Because he continued contact with Epstein even after his conviction.
“I made a huge mistake in spending time with Jeffrey Epstein,” Gates told staff during the town hall. “It damaged the foundation’s reputation and I deeply regret it.”
This marks the first time Gates has directly apologized to foundation employees in such a personal setting. The admission comes years after questions first arose about his connections to the convicted sex offender.
⚡ THE HEADLINES EVERYONE IS SHARING
| Viral Hook | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Bill Gates: “I was wrong” — Full apology to staff | Direct quote + accountability |
| Two Russian women: Gates admits affairs during marriage | Scandal + celebrity |
| Epstein association “damaged our reputation” — Gates admits | Nonprofit impact |
| What Gates knew and when: His Epstein timeline revealed | Mystery + curiosity |
The Jeffrey Epstein Connection
The relationship between Gates and Epstein spanned several years, even after Epstein’s conviction for sex crimes.
In 2011, Gates first met Epstein after his sex offender conviction. Despite knowing about Epstein’s legal history, Gates continued the association.
By 2013, Gates was flying on Epstein’s private jet and visiting his townhouse. These meetings have been documented through flight logs and visitor records.
When Epstein was arrested on sex trafficking charges in 2019, scrutiny intensified. Epstein died by suicide later that year while awaiting trial.
In 2021, Gates and Melinda French Gates announced their divorce. Reports emerged that Melinda had concerns about Gates’ relationship with Epstein dating back to 2013.
By 2023, more reports surfaced about Gates’ meetings with Epstein. The billionaire faced growing questions about why he maintained contact with a known sex offender.
Now in 2026, Gates has finally addressed the issue directly with foundation staff. He called the association a “huge mistake” and apologized for the damage it caused.
THE EPSTEIN CONNECTION TIMELINE
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2011 | Gates first meets Epstein after his sex offender conviction |
| 2013 | Gates flies on Epstein’s private jet; visits Epstein’s townhouse |
| 2019 | Epstein arrested on sex trafficking charges; dies by suicide |
| 2021 | Gates and Melinda announce divorce; Epstein ties scrutinized |
| 2023 | Reports emerge of Gates’ meetings with Epstein |
| 2026 | Gates apologizes to foundation staff; admits “huge mistake” |
What Bill Gates Admitted About Extramarital Affairs
During the town hall, Gates addressed long-standing rumors about his personal life.
He admitted to two extramarital affairs with Russian women. Both occurred during his marriage to Melinda French Gates, which ended in divorce in 2021.
Gates was careful to separate these affairs from his Epstein connection. He stated repeatedly that the affairs had no connection to Epstein or his victims.
He also made clear that neither relationship involved underage individuals or any form of trafficking. He described the affairs as personal failings but not criminal conduct.
“I take full responsibility for my actions,” Gates reportedly said. “They were wrong, and they caused pain to my family.”
He did not provide names or specific timelines for these relationships. But he acknowledged that they happened and expressed regret for the hurt they caused.
Gates Foundation Reputation: Damage and Recovery
The Gates Foundation stands as one of the world’s largest philanthropies. It employs thousands of staff working on global health, poverty alleviation, and education programs.
But Gates’ association with Epstein has long cast a shadow over this work. Employees have faced questions from partners and the public. Some have expressed discomfort with the double standard of fighting global disease while befriending a known predator.
During the town hall, Gates acknowledged this tension directly.
“I understand that my actions have hurt the foundation’s reputation,” he told staff. “For that, I am truly sorry to every single person who works here.”
Staff reactions have been mixed. Some appreciate the direct apology after years of silence. They see it as a necessary step toward rebuilding trust.
Others feel it came too late. Years have passed since questions first emerged. The foundation has faced scrutiny in multiple countries where it operates.
One staff member who attended the meeting spoke about the experience. “It took years for him to say this directly to us. Some of us appreciate it. Others feel it’s too little, too late.”
Philanthropy experts note that the Gates Foundation does incredible work worldwide. But they agree this association has always been a shadow over its credibility.
🔍 WHAT GATES DIDN’T SAY
| Question | Status |
|---|---|
| Why did he continue meeting Epstein after 2011? | Â Addressed but vague |
| Did Melinda’s concerns about Epstein contribute to divorce? |  Not addressed |
| Did Gates know about Epstein’s trafficking? |  Denied |
| Will Gates face any legal consequences? | Â Not expected |
| Has Gates cut all ties with Epstein associates? | Â Not specified |
What Gates Didn’t Address
Despite the frank admissions, several questions remain unanswered.
Why did Gates continue meeting Epstein after 2011? He addressed this but remained vague. He expressed regret but didn’t fully explain his reasoning.
Did Melinda’s concerns about Epstein contribute to their divorce? Gates did not address this question at all. Reports have suggested Melinda raised concerns years before the split.
Did Gates know about Epstein’s trafficking activities? He denied this firmly. No public evidence has emerged to contradict this denial.
Will Gates face any legal consequences? Legal experts say this is not expected. The statute of limitations on any potential issues has likely passed.
Has Gates cut all ties with Epstein associates? He did not specify. The question remains open.
