February 25, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters
Seattle & International — Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates has publicly addressed longstanding questions about his past interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, admitting to two extramarital affairs and apologizing to staff of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for the impact of his associations, according to multiple news reports.
The comments came during a Gates Foundation town hall meeting on February 24, 2026, where Gates faced direct questions from employees following the recent release of documents linking his name with Epstein in previously undisclosed filings from the U.S. Department of Justice.
At the staff gathering, Gates acknowledged that his choice to spend time with Epstein who pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution was a “huge mistake” and diverged from the philanthropic mission of the foundation. He said he regretted not thoroughly vetting Epstein’s background before engaging with him or inviting other foundation leaders to meetings.
In comments verified by The Wall Street Journal, Gates told employees: “I apologize to other people who were drawn into this because of the mistake that I made.” He maintained that, while he met and spent time with Epstein, he never participated in or witnessed any criminal conduct related to Epstein’s crimes.
Affairs and Context
In addition to apologizing for the Epstein ties, Gates also disclosed that he had two extramarital relationships with Russian women during his marriage to Melinda French Gates — a revelation previously reported in connection with the Justice Department files. He explained that Epstein had become aware of these affairs, although Gates denied that Epstein’s knowledge influenced the foundation’s work.
Gates insisted that he “did nothing illicit” in his interactions with Epstein and reaffirmed that he never spent time with Epstein’s victims. He also emphasized that his meetings with Epstein were motivated by hopes of securing philanthropic funding, not an endorsement of Epstein.
Foundation and Public Response
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has previously acknowledged that a limited number of foundation staff did interact with Epstein in an effort to explore funding opportunities but stressed that no funding, employment, or formal partnerships were ever established with Epstein or his enterprises.
The revelations have triggered debate among global health and philanthropic communities about personal conduct among nonprofit leaders and the reputational risks of associations with controversial figures. Analysts say the situation highlights the sensitivity around donor vetting, ethical standards, and public trust in major charitable organisations.
Broader Implications
Gates’s admissions come amid renewed scrutiny of Epstein-related records released by U.S. authorities, which have named a number of high-profile individuals drawing attention to how powerful networks may intersect with problematic actors. While Gates has denied any wrongdoing or illegal activity, his comments underline the reputational challenges that can arise when personal decisions intersect with public leadership roles.
As the foundation continues its work in global health, education, and development, observers say the episode may prompt internal policy reviews and strengthened risk-management practices to protect the organisation’s mission and credibility on the world stage.