In a significant development, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has reportedly apologized to staff at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
According to a report first published by The Wall Street Journal, Gates addressed the issue during a foundation town hall meeting on Tuesday, acknowledging that his relationship with Epstein was a mistake and had overshadowed the philanthropic work of the organization.
What Did Bill Gates Say?
The Wall Street Journal reported that it reviewed a recording of Gates’ remarks, in which he expressed regret for his past ties to Epstein.
During the town hall, Gates reportedly:
- Admitted that associating with Epstein was a mistake
- Said the controversy had distracted from the foundation’s mission
- Denied any involvement in or knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities
While Gates did not publicly release a statement confirming the exact wording of the apology, a spokesperson for the Gates Foundation confirmed that he addressed the issue directly.
Gates Foundation Statement
In a statement to CBS News, a spokesperson said:
“Bill answered questions submitted by foundation staff on a range of issues, including the release of the Epstein files, the foundation’s work in AI, and the future of global health. In the town hall, Bill spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail, and took responsibility for his actions.”
The spokesperson did not provide additional specifics about Gates’ comments but confirmed he engaged openly with employees.
Background: Bill Gates and Jeffrey Epstein Controversy
Bill Gates has previously acknowledged that meeting with Jeffrey Epstein was an error in judgment. Epstein, a financier who was convicted of sex crimes, died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal trafficking charges.
Past reports revealed that Gates met with Epstein multiple times after Epstein had already been convicted. Gates has consistently stated that the meetings were related to philanthropic discussions and that he deeply regrets the association.
The renewed attention comes amid ongoing public interest in documents and files related to Epstein.
Impact on the Gates Foundation
The Gates Foundation remains one of the world’s largest private philanthropic organizations, focusing on:
- Global health initiatives
- Vaccine development
- Poverty reduction
- Education reform
- AI for social good
Gates reportedly told staff that his past decisions should not overshadow the foundation’s global impact.
Why This Matters
The apology signals an attempt by Gates to address lingering internal concerns within the foundation and reinforce transparency. As one of the most prominent figures in global philanthropy, Gates’ reputation plays a critical role in maintaining trust in the foundation’s work.
The situation also highlights broader conversations about accountability among high-profile leaders and their past associations.
Bill Gates has reportedly taken responsibility for his past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein during a private town hall with foundation employees. While denying knowledge of Epstein’s crimes, he acknowledged that his association with the disgraced financier was a mistake that cast a shadow over the foundation’s mission.
The story continues to draw public attention as discussions surrounding Epstein-related records remain ongoing.