Bill Gates Admits ‘Huge Mistake’ Over Association With Jeffrey Epstein -“Gates Confesses Affairs, Denies Any Role in Epstein Crimes”
Seattle – Microsoft founder Bill Gates has opened up about his past ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, calling it a “huge mistake” during a candid town hall meeting with staff at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. In the same session, he confessed to having affairs with two Russian women while married to his ex-wife Melinda French Gates, but firmly denied any involvement in Epstein’s criminal activities, insisting that he did nothing wrong and saw nothing illegal during their interactions.
The Town Hall Meeting and Gates’ Apology
The meeting took place on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, where Gates addressed employees directly about recent revelations from unsealed Justice Department documents. These files, released earlier in the month, shed light on his connections to Epstein, including emails and photos that have sparked widespread questions. Gates took the opportunity to apologise, saying he regretted drawing others into the mess caused by his decisions. He stressed that his association with Epstein was meant to focus on philanthropy, like global health initiatives through the foundation, but admitted it was a poor choice to meet with him multiple times and even involve foundation executives in those discussions.
Gates expressed remorse for the impact on his team and others, noting that the fallout has affected people who had no part in his choices. A spokesperson for the foundation later confirmed that Gates took responsibility for his actions during the talk, aiming to clear the air and move forward. This internal address came as a way to handle the growing scrutiny, showing Gates’ effort to be transparent with those closest to his work.
Details of the Affairs with Russian Women
In a surprising admission, Gates revealed he had two extramarital affairs with Russian women during his marriage. The first was with a Russian bridge player he met at bridge events, a card game he is known to enjoy. The second involved a Russian nuclear physicist encountered through business activities, likely tied to his interests in science and innovation. He explained that these relationships happened before his deeper involvement with Epstein, but the financier later learned about them through a mutual associate.
Gates was clear that the affairs were personal matters and did not overlap with Epstein’s world. He denied any claims that they involved Epstein’s victims or any illicit behaviour linked to the sex offender. By sharing these details, Gates aimed to set the record straight amid rumours fuelled by the released documents, which included an unsent email from Epstein alleging Gates had relations with “Russian girls” and even contracted a sexually transmitted infection from them. Gates did not directly address the infection claim but emphasised that his actions were not criminal and that he witnessed no wrongdoing.
How Epstein Learned About the Affairs
A key figure in this story is Boris Nikolic, a former close aide and scientific advisor to Gates. According to the details that emerged, Nikolic discussed Gates’ relationships with the two Russian women during conversations with Epstein. This is how Epstein reportedly found out, using the information in his own notes and emails. Nikolic, who once worked closely with Gates on health and tech projects, was named in Epstein’s will as a backup executor, a role he later turned down, saying he was shocked by the mention.
This connection highlights the tangled web of associations around Epstein, who often sought out powerful people in tech and science. Gates has said he met Epstein several times between 2011 and 2014, mainly to talk about potential donations to causes like fighting diseases in poor countries. However, he now views those meetings as a big error, especially since Epstein used his network to gain access and influence.
Denials of Involvement in Epstein’s Crimes
Throughout the town hall, Gates was adamant about his innocence regarding Epstein’s illegal activities. He repeated phrases like “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit,” to underline that he never took part in or observed any of the crimes Epstein was convicted of, such as sex trafficking. Gates insisted he “never spent any time with victims, the women around him,” making it clear his interactions were strictly professional and not tied to Epstein’s personal life.
The Justice Department files include photos of Gates posing with women whose faces are blurred out, taken during events or meetings. These images have added fuel to speculation, but Gates maintains they do not show any wrongdoing. He has previously said in interviews that he regrets the meetings, wishing he had never given Epstein the credibility that came with associating with a billionaire philanthropist. Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial, had a history of using his wealth to build ties with influential figures, often for his own gain.
Background on Gates’ Ties to Epstein
The association between Gates and Epstein started around 2011, when Epstein pitched ideas for a fund to tackle global health issues. Gates attended dinners at Epstein’s New York home and flew on his private jet once, but he has said there was no deeper friendship. Despite this, emails show Epstein boasting about their closeness, even complaining that Gates and his aides mistreated him. One message mentioned Gates requesting antibiotics for an infection allegedly from the “Russian girls,” a claim that ties back to the affairs Gates now admits.
Gates’ ex-wife, Melinda French Gates, has spoken about how uncomfortable she was with Epstein, meeting him only once and regretting it immediately. Their divorce in 2021, after 27 years of marriage, was partly influenced by these revelations, with reports that Melinda pushed for the split amid concerns over Bill’s past behaviour. Gates has admitted to other affairs during the marriage, including one with a Microsoft employee in 2000, which led to an internal probe.
Impact on the Gates Foundation and Public Image
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the world’s largest charities with billions dedicated to health, education, and poverty reduction, has felt the ripple effects. Staff at the Seattle-based organisation have raised questions about how these ties might harm their work’s reputation. Gates’ apology aimed to reassure them, focusing on the foundation’s ongoing missions like vaccine distribution and climate change efforts.
Publicly, this adds to the scrutiny Gates faces as a major figure in tech and giving. At 70, he remains active in global issues, but these admissions could affect trust in his initiatives. Supporters see it as him owning up to mistakes, while critics question if more details will emerge. The foundation continues its work, emphasising that personal matters do not detract from its goals.
Broader Lessons from the Epstein Scandal
This case underscores the dangers of associating with controversial figures, even for good causes. Epstein’s network ensnared many high-profile people, leading to ongoing investigations and document releases. For Gates, it serves as a reminder of the need for caution in partnerships. He has pledged to learn from this, hoping to refocus on positive contributions without the shadow of past errors.
As more files become public, the full picture may evolve, but Gates’ recent statements aim to close this chapter. For those following the story, it highlights how personal choices can intersect with public roles, affecting reputations built over decades.
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