Billionaire and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has publicly apologized to employees of the Gates Foundation for his past associations with financier Jeffrey Epstein, acknowledging personal mistakes but denying any participation in illegal activities.
Gates admitted to having extramarital relationships with two Russian women, which he says were later revealed to Epstein, but emphasized that these relationships were unrelated to Epstein’s victims.
“I did nothing wrong. I saw nothing wrong,” Gates reportedly said, stressing that he had never spent time with Epstein’s victims or women associated with him.
He also addressed recently published photographs linked to Epstein showing him with women whose faces are obscured, stating that the images were taken at Epstein’s request following meetings with him.
Gates clarified that he never stayed overnight at Epstein’s properties and never visited Epstein’s private island. He admitted, however, that being in the company of other high-profile figures at these meetings may have given the impression that his association with Epstein was acceptable, and acknowledged that his involvement could have inadvertently enhanced Epstein’s public image at the time.
“I apologize to those involved for the mistake I made,” Gates said, highlighting his regret for including foundation leaders in meetings with Epstein.
This statement comes amid renewed scrutiny over connections between prominent figures and Epstein, though Gates continues to insist he was not involved in any illegal activity.
