Gates Expresses Regret Over Epstein Links, Raises Fresh Questions on Accountability
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has apologised to staff at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for his past association with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, acknowledging what he described as a “huge mistake” in maintaining contact with him.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, which cited a recording of an internal town hall, Gates admitted that spending time with Epstein and allowing foundation executives to attend meetings with him had been an error in judgment.
He is quoted as saying he regretted the consequences of that decision and apologised to those drawn into the controversy. News agency Reuters separately reported that Gates told employees he was taking responsibility for his actions.
During the session, Gates reportedly addressed questions about his personal life and allegations linked to documents recently made public by the US Department of Justice.
He told staff that while Epstein had been aware of certain personal relationships he had in the past, those did not involve Epstein’s victims.
He maintained that he had engaged in no unlawful conduct and had not witnessed anything illegal during his interactions with Epstein.
The Journal reported that Gates also clarified details about photographs included in court filings, in which he appeared alongside women whose identities were redacted.
He said the images were taken at Epstein’s request following meetings that were framed as philanthropic discussions.
Gates reiterated that he had not spent time with or interacted with any victims connected to Epstein.
A spokesperson for the foundation confirmed that Gates spoke candidly at the meeting and accepted responsibility, but declined to elaborate further on the contents of the report.
Earlier statements from the foundation have maintained that it never made payments to Epstein nor employed him in any capacity.
Documents released in recent weeks show that Gates and Epstein met multiple times after Epstein had already served a prison sentence, with discussions reportedly centred on expanding philanthropic initiatives.
Gates has previously said that his engagement was limited to charitable matters and that meeting Epstein was a mistake he deeply regrets.
The renewed focus on these ties comes amid wider public scrutiny following the unsealing of additional Epstein-related documents.
Analysts observing the developments say Gates’ measured and direct tone during the town hall has prompted debate about credibility and accountability.
Some believe his acknowledgment, while belated, reflects a broader environment in which influential figures may now feel compelled to address past associations more openly.
At the same time, commentators note that some individuals across business, academia, and politics have faced reputational damage for brief or peripheral meetings with Epstein, even in the absence of evidence linking them to wrongdoing.
The unfolding disclosures, they argue, may distinguish between those who committed crimes and those whose error lay in judgment rather than intent.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, founded in 2000, remains one of the world’s most prominent philanthropic institutions, particularly in global health and development.
Yet the shadow of Epstein’s network continues to cast long questions over many public figures who once moved within similar circles.
Whether Gates’ apology closes the chapter or fuels further inquiry remains to be seen.
For now, his remarks have reopened a complex conversation about responsibility, proximity, and the fine line between association and complicity.
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