Billionaire and philanthropist Bill Gates has issued a rare apology to employees of the Gates Foundation over his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as newly released documents put his ties in the spotlight and stirred fresh controversy.
At a town hall meeting with foundation staff, Bill Gates acknowledged his interactions with Epstein, described them as a “huge mistake”, and said he “did nothing illicit” and “saw nothing illicit,” even as critics and some members of the public questioned the depth of his involvement and whether his denial fully addresses the concerns.
His apology comes amid backlash that includes cancelled international appearances and renewed scrutiny of his philanthropic and personal conduct.
Why Has Bill Gates Apologised to the Gates Foundation?
Bill Gates publicly apologised to employees of the Gates Foundation after renewed attention on his past interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following the release of extensive Department of Justice files.
In a candid town hall with staff, Bill Gates called his decision to meet Epstein and involve foundation executives in those meetings a “huge mistake” and said he regretted the reputational harm it caused.
He told staff, “I apologise to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made,” showing a rare acknowledgement of error from one of the world’s most prominent philanthropists. Bill Gates also explained that photos of him with Epstein’s acquaintances were taken at Epstein’s request, and emphasised he never spent time with known victims.
Has Bill Gates Foundation Suffered Backlash?
The controversy has already impacted Gates and his foundation’s public engagements. Bill Gates abruptly withdrew from the AI Impact Summit in India, where he was scheduled to deliver a keynote address, with officials saying the cancellation was to avoid distracting from the event amid renewed scrutiny.
Critics on social media and in media commentary have questioned his judgment in associating with Epstein after the financier’s conviction, and some observers say the situation has unnerved staff and supporters of the foundation’s work on global health and development.
Although the foundation says it never paid or employed Epstein and continues its charitable mission, the backlash has underscored reputational risks tied to high‑profile figures appearing in the released legal files.
Bill Gates & His Association With Jeffrey Epstein
Bill Gates first met Epstein years after the financier had already been convicted of soliciting a minor for prostitution, reportedly in 2011, to discuss networking with potential donors for philanthropic causes.
The relationship continued sporadically until about 2014 and included several meetings and photo opportunities. Documents from the Justice Department included images of Gates with Epstein’s associates, prompting renewed public interest and internal questions at the foundation.
Bill Gates defended his motives, saying the interactions were philanthropic in aim and were arranged at Epstein’s invitation, but he acknowledged in his apology that it was a serious error in judgment to have spent time with someone of Epstein’s background.
Did Bill Gates Denied Anything Illicit?
Throughout his remarks, Bill Gates firmly denied engaging in or witnessing any illegal or immoral conduct with Epstein. He told foundation staff, “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit,” and added, “To be clear, I never spent any time with victims, the women around him,” distancing himself from the criminal acts linked to Epstein.
His denials also extended to certain allegations circulating online, including unverified claims in emails attributed to Epstein about personal matters; Gates’ representatives have labelled such claims as “absurd and completely false.”
By framing his association as strictly professional and limited to philanthropy, he sought to reassure both staff and the public that he remained committed to ethical conduct.
What Has Melinda Said?
Bill Gates’ former wife, Melinda French Gates, described the Epstein controversy as emotionally difficult and a reminder of “very painful times” from their marriage. Speaking on NPR’s Wild Card podcast, she said the questions raised by the released files are for those directly involved, including Bill Gates, to answer, not her.
She recalled a brief 2013 meeting with Epstein as unsettling and referred to him as “evil personified,” noting that the encounter contributed to tension in their marriage and her eventual decision to divorce.
Melinda emphasised relief at being removed from that chapter of her life and focused on accountability for Epstein’s victims rather than herself, making it clear she distances herself from Epstein while underscoring that any remaining questions should be addressed by those involved.
Who Is Lying: Bill Gates or the Victims?
The controversy has sparked a broader debate over credibility and accountability. Some critics argue that any repeated engagement with Epstein, even if framed as philanthropic, reflects poor judgment and could have inadvertently lent Epstein legitimacy. Questions also surfaced from Gates’ former wife, who said emerging details stirred painful memories and that Gates must answer remaining questions about his involvement.
At the same time, there’s no verified evidence from the released files indicating Gates participated in or facilitated criminal acts, and his denial of illicit behaviour has been clearly stated.
Online claims and conspiracy narratives have further muddied the discussion, with fact‑checkers pointing out that many allegations circulating on social platforms are unsubstantiated or fabricated by Epstein himself in drafts.
Ultimately, the public debate continues, with lines drawn between those who view Gates’ actions as harmless but misguided and those who see them as troubling.
