Bill Gates took accountability for his connections to the late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during a town hall meeting with employees of the Gates Foundation, as per a spokesperson for the philanthropic organization. The spokesperson’s remarks were in response to a report from the Wall Street Journal, which referenced comments made by Gates at the town hall.
Records from the U.S. Department of Justice revealed multiple meetings between Gates and Epstein post the latter’s imprisonment, primarily to discuss expanding the philanthropic endeavors of the Microsoft founder. Gates admitted during the town hall that it was a significant error to associate with Epstein and involve Gates Foundation staff in meetings with the convicted sex offender. He expressed regret for the repercussions faced by others due to his misjudgment.
Gates clarified that his interactions with Epstein were solely focused on philanthropic matters and denied any involvement in illicit activities. Furthermore, he acknowledged that Epstein requested pictures with Gates and his assistants after their discussions, emphasizing that he never engaged with any victims or women associated with Epstein.
The Gates Foundation, established by Gates and his former spouse in 2000, is renowned for its substantial contributions to global health initiatives. Gates disclosed meeting Epstein for the first time in 2011, emphasizing that his interactions were limited to dinners and denying any involvement with Epstein’s misconduct or controversial activities.
In a separate development, Melinda Gates French, Gates’ ex-wife, publicly expressed her disapproval of Gates’ meetings with Epstein and how it contributed to the breakdown of their marriage. Gates disclosed to foundation employees that he had two extramarital affairs with Russian individuals, which Epstein later discovered, although he clarified that these individuals were not connected to Epstein’s criminal activities.
The release of the Epstein files, mandated by the Epstein Transparency Act of late 2025, has led to increased scrutiny on individuals associated with Epstein, prompting resignations and public apologies by several prominent figures. Notably, Larry Summers, former U.S. treasury secretary, announced his resignation from Harvard University faculty positions amidst revelations of his communications with Epstein. Nobel laureate Dr. Richard Axel also stepped down from his role at Columbia University, citing his association with Epstein as a “serious error in judgment.”
The repercussions of the Epstein files have extended globally, with notable figures in Europe facing legal challenges and public scrutiny for their connections to Epstein. Former Norwegian prime minister Thorbjørn Jagland and UK politicians Peter Mandelson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor have faced allegations of misconduct in public office related to their interactions with Epstein.