Bill Gates says he had affairs with 2 Russian women, denies ties to Epstein’s victims
South China Morning Post
by Agence France-PresseFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Bill Gates has admitted to making a "huge mistake" by associating with Jeffrey Epstein, revealing during an internal town hall at his charity foundation that he had affairs with two Russian women. However, Gates strongly denies any involvement or ties to Epstein's alleged crimes against his victims. This admission comes amid the release of US Justice Department documents that detail Epstein's close friendships, illicit financial dealings, and private connections with prominent figures, including Gates.
The Microsoft co-founder has been linked through these documents to Epstein's controversial network, which included allegations of Epstein's abuse of young women for financial gain. While Gates acknowledges his past mistakes in engaging with Epstein, he maintains that he had no knowledge of or involvement in the financier's criminal activities. During the town hall, Gates addressed these allegations directly with his foundation staff, emphasizing his commitment to transparency and accountability while distancing himself from any wrongdoing related to Epstein.
The revelation has sparked significant attention globally, particularly given Gates' role as a prominent philanthropist and co-founder of Microsoft. Critics have questioned whether this association with Epstein could undermine public trust in his charitable work. While Gates has long been a respected figure in global health and development, the connection to Epstein raises concerns about the broader implications for charity foundations and their leadership. The situation also highlights the ongoing challenges of reconciling personal missteps with public service, particularly when those missteps involve figures tied to serious crimes.
Ultimately, this matter underscores the importance of accountability in leadership, both in the private sector and philanthropic circles. As the details continue to emerge, they serve as a reminder that even high-profile individuals can be held to scrutiny for their past actions, no matter how long
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/25/2026