Bill Gates, Microsoft co-founder, has apologised to members of staff of the Gates Foundation for his past interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, describing it as a “huge mistake to spend time with him.
The billionaire businessman spoke at a town hall on Tuesday, according to a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report.
The connection between Gates and Epstein first became public knowledge in October 2019, but additional details have emerged following the release of US justice department released documents relating to the deceased financier.
Among the documents is an email in which Epstein claimed that Gates had contracted a sexually transmitted infection and requested antibiotics to covertly give to his then-wife, Melinda, an allegation Gates has denied.
The documents also detailed the tech mogul’s meetings with Epstein, including dinners, calls, and philanthropy talks.
Gates apologised for taking his foundation executives to meetings with Epstein, the WSJ report added.
The philanthropist also admitted to two affairs but stated he did not participate in the convicted sex offender’s crimes. Gates said he met the women through his own social and business activities.
“One of the women was a Russian bridge player who met me at bridge events, and the other a Russian nuclear physicist,” he said.
“I apologize to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made,” Gates said, according to a recording reviewed by the Journal.
Gates told the foundation’s staff that he met Epstein in 2011 but failed to properly check his background. Epstein had pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution before their meeting.
He said he continued to meet Epstein through 2014 and spent time with him abroad but added that he “never stayed overnight” or visited Epstein’s island.
The relationship continued even after Melinda expressed uncertainty.
In an interview earlier this month, Melinda said the latest release of files dredged up “painful times” in her marriage.
She added that she was “so happy to be away from all the muck”.
