Bill Gates told staff at his charity foundation that his association with Jeffrey Epstein was the biggest mistake of his life and said it damaged the reputation of the foundation, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. He apologised for the impact of his decisions on the organisation’s image.
Association With Jeffrey Epstein
Gates said his relationship with Epstein began in 2011, despite being aware of serious allegations of sexual abuse of minors against Epstein at the time. He acknowledged that maintaining contact was a significant error that tarnished both his personal standing and the work of the foundation. Gates stated that he involved members of his staff in matters connected to the association, which he said created additional difficulties for the foundation.
He said, “I apologise to those who were dragged into this controversy because of my mistake.” Gates emphasised that he had never engaged in any illegal relationship with Epstein’s victims or with any other women.
Warning From Melinda French Gates
Gates also said that his former wife, Melinda French Gates, warned him in 2013 to distance himself from Epstein. He acknowledged that he disregarded that warning at the time, stating that doing so would have been in the best interest of the foundation. He credited Melinda French Gates for her position, saying she had consistently been sceptical about Epstein.
Disclosure of Relationships With Russian Women
Gates publicly acknowledged that he had affairs with two Russian women. He clarified that the women were not victims of Epstein, but that Epstein was aware of the relationships. Gates said he had not committed any illegal acts, while adding that these decisions had an effect on the foundation’s image.
Response to Circulated Photographs
Photographs released in the Epstein files, which showed Gates with several women, circulated publicly. Gates said the images were taken during meetings arranged at Epstein’s direction with his assistant staff. He stated, “I never spent time with Epstein’s victims or other women.”
Impact on the Foundation
Gates said that his association with Epstein and recently surfaced emails had affected the image of the Gates Foundation. He said the situation was contrary to the foundation’s values and objectives and described the organisation’s work as highly sensitive to reputation. He added that it was up to others to decide whether they wished to work with the foundation.
A spokesperson for the Gates Foundation said that Gates holds town hall meetings twice a year and that during the latest meeting he answered questions openly and accepted responsibility.
