Bill Gates 'took responsibility' in foundation town hall and admits affairs with two Russian women

Bill Gates told staff at his charitable foundation that he "took responsibility for his actions" and addressed his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during a scheduled town hall, the foundation said. The remarks — in which Gates apologised, admitted two affairs with Russian women and denied any illicit behaviour — come after a renewed wave of scrutiny following the release of files by the US Department of Justice in January.

Bill Gates spoke directly to staff at a scheduled town hall

The Gates Foundation said the session was a scheduled town hall with employees that Bill holds twice a year, and that "Bill spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail. " The Microsoft co-founder, 70, answered questions submitted by foundation staff on a range of issues, the foundation said, and the organisation emphasised that he took responsibility for his actions during the meeting.

Apology, admissions of affairs and denials of illicit conduct

Gates apologised to staff and said he had two affairs with Russian women, and he denied engaging in illicit behaviour, saying, "I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit. " He also told staff, "I apologise to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made. " A US newspaper said it had reviewed a recording of Gates's remarks.

Details about images and the Epstein files

Gates addressed images included in the Epstein files that show him with women whose faces are redacted, saying those were pictures the late financier had asked him to take with his assistants after their meetings. An image from the Epstein files was released by the US House Oversight Committee in December last year. The release of files by the US Department of Justice in January prompted renewed scrutiny of Gates's relationship with Epstein.

When they met, travel limits and scope of interactions through 2014

Gates said he first met Epstein in 2011, years after Epstein had pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution, and that he was aware of an "18-month thing" that had limited Epstein's travel. He said he did not properly check Epstein's background. Gates continued to meet Epstein through 2014, spent time with him abroad, and said he "never stayed overnight" or visited Epstein's island.

Ex-wife's doubts, fundraising pitch and foundation agenda

Gates said the relationship with Epstein continued even after his then wife expressed doubts, noting, "To give her credit, she was always kind of sceptical about the Epstein thing. " He also recalled Epstein telling him he had links with other billionaires and suggesting he could help raise money for charitable causes Gates was engaged with. During the town hall, Gates answered questions on the release of the Epstein files, the foundation's work in AI, and the future of global health, the foundation said.

Origins of the foundation and personal fallout

Gates established his philanthropic organisation alongside his then wife, Melinda French Gates. The couple divorced in 2021 after 27 years of marriage. In a podcast interview earlier this month, Melinda French Gates said the latest release of files dredged up "painful times in my marriage. "

Gates has not been accused of wrongdoing by any of Epstein's victims, the foundation noted, even as the revelations have drawn renewed attention to his past interactions with Epstein.