Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist, addressed employees at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation this week, admitting to extramarital affairs with two Russian women and apologizing for his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, while firmly denying any participation in Epstein's criminal activities.

In a town hall meeting Tuesday, Gates described his meetings with Epstein as a "huge mistake" and took responsibility for actions that have drawn renewed scrutiny following the release of previously sealed documents by the U.S. Department of Justice in January. He emphasized that he "did nothing illicit" and "saw nothing illicit" during their interactions, according to reports from staff present and confirmed by a foundation spokesperson.

Bill Gates, then Microsoft's CEO, wipes his eye during a June 1996 press conference in Tokyo
AFP

The candid discussion, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, comes amid ongoing fallout from Epstein's high-profile case, which has implicated numerous powerful figures in finance, politics and technology. Gates, 70, has faced questions about his ties to Epstein since at least 2019, when reports surfaced of multiple meetings between the two after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution. The latest revelations add personal details to Gates' narrative, including the affairs, which he said Epstein later learned about.

Gates detailed one affair with a Russian bridge player he met at bridge events and another with a Russian nuclear physicist encountered through business activities. He acknowledged that these relationships occurred during his marriage to Melinda French Gates, from whom he divorced in 2021 after 27 years. The divorce announcement that year cited an "irretrievably broken" marriage, and Gates previously admitted to a single affair with a Microsoft employee around 2019, which led to an internal investigation at the company.

A Gates Foundation spokesperson confirmed the town hall remarks, stating that Gates "took responsibility for his actions" and addressed the Epstein links directly to provide clarity for staff amid media coverage. The foundation, one of the world's largest charitable organizations with an endowment exceeding $70 billion, focuses on global health, poverty alleviation and education. Employees have expressed concerns in the past about how Gates' personal controversies might impact the organization's reputation and partnerships.

Epstein, a financier who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges, cultivated relationships with influential individuals, including Gates, former President Bill Clinton and Britain's Prince Andrew. Court documents unsealed in January 2026 as part of ongoing litigation related to Epstein's estate revealed emails and other communications showing Gates met with Epstein at least three times between 2011 and 2014. One email from Epstein to Gates in 2017 referenced a potential philanthropic collaboration, though Gates has maintained their discussions were limited to science, philanthropy and global issues, not Epstein's criminal enterprises.

Gates has repeatedly expressed regret over the association. In a 2021 interview following his divorce, he called spending time with Epstein a "mistake" and said he ended the relationship after realizing it lacked substance. Tuesday's town hall echoed that sentiment, with Gates reportedly apologizing for involving foundation executives in some meetings with Epstein, which he now views as inappropriate.

The timing of Gates' comments aligns with heightened public interest in Epstein's network, fueled by the DOJ's document release and upcoming congressional testimonies from figures like Hillary Clinton. Social media reactions to the news have been mixed, with some users praising Gates for transparency while others criticized him for downplaying the extent of his Epstein ties. One Instagram post from a news outlet garnered thousands of likes and comments, with users questioning the sufficiency of his denials.

Critics, including victims' advocates, have called for greater accountability from those who associated with Epstein. Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's former partner, was convicted in 2021 of sex trafficking and is serving a 20-year sentence. Ongoing lawsuits against Epstein's estate continue to uncover details about his operations, though Gates has not been accused of wrongdoing in any legal filings.

Gates' personal life has been under a microscope since the divorce. Melinda French Gates, now leading her own philanthropic efforts through Pivotal Ventures, cited Gates' Epstein meetings as a factor in their separation, according to reports at the time. She has since focused on women's empowerment and gender equality, donating billions independently.

Despite the controversies, Gates remains a prominent voice in global health and climate initiatives. Through the Gates Foundation, he has pledged over $10 billion toward vaccine development and pandemic preparedness, including significant contributions to COVID-19 response efforts. In recent months, he has advocated for AI ethics and sustainable energy solutions, co-authoring books and appearing at international forums.

The foundation's work continues unabated, with recent grants supporting malaria eradication and agricultural innovation in Africa. Staff morale, however, has been a point of discussion internally, with some employees anonymously telling media outlets that Gates' personal scandals occasionally overshadow the organization's mission.

Legal experts suggest that Gates' proactive addressing of the issue may help mitigate reputational damage, especially as no evidence has emerged linking him to Epstein's crimes. "By owning the mistakes and denying illicit activity, he's drawing a clear line," said one crisis communications specialist who spoke on condition of anonymity.

As investigations into Epstein's network persist, including potential congressional hearings, Gates' statements could face further examination. For now, his focus appears to be on moving forward, emphasizing philanthropy over past associations.

Representatives for Gates did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment beyond the foundation's statement.

The episode underscores the long shadow cast by Epstein's crimes, affecting even those on the periphery years after his death. Victims' groups continue to push for transparency and justice, reminding the public that the story is far from over.