Bill Gates Admits Affairs But Denies Link to Epstein

WASHINGTON (AFP) – In a rare public admission of wrongdoing, Bill Gates has revealed he made “a huge mistake” by associating with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. During a town hall meeting with staff at his charitable foundation, Gates expressed profound regret over spending time with Epstein and bringing Foundation executives into meetings where Epstein was present.

“I did have affairs,” Gates acknowledged in the recording reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. “One with a Russian bridge player who met me at events and another with a nuclear physicist I knew through business activities.” Despite these admissions, he emphatically denied any involvement with Epstein’s illegal activities or those of his victims.

In draft emails obtained by Justice Department documents, Epstein alleges that Gates helped facilitate Epstein’s illicit trysts with married women. However, Gates categorically dismissed these claims, saying, “I did nothing illicit and saw nothing illicit.” He added that the reality of Epstein’s ongoing bad behavior was only clarified when he learned about a restriction on his travel lasting 18 months but not checking Epstein’s background.

“I know what I know now makes it a hundred times worse,” Gates said. “My relationship with Epstein started in 2011, and despite my wife’s concerns by 2013, we continued for at least another year.”

Gates Foundation President Dave Beasley commended his boss’s transparency but acknowledged the gravity of the revelations.

“We are taking Bill’s words to heart,” Beasley said. “This shows our commitment not only to addressing past mistakes but also learning from them and reinforcing our principles.”

As Gates addressed a broader audience, his statements reignited debates about influence peddling in the philanthropic sector and raised questions about oversight at charitable foundations. The town hall marked an unusual moment of candor for such high-profile figures, as they often shy away from admitting fault publicly.

The revelation also comes amidst ongoing investigations into Epstein’s dealings with prominent figures. As details emerge, critics argue that these connections highlight broader issues within the philanthropic community and underscore a need for greater scrutiny in financial transactions and personal interactions involving influential individuals.