Bill Gates 'took responsibility' over Epstein ties in staff meeting, foundation says
BBC World
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Bill Gates has addressed his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein during a staff meeting at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where he took responsibility for his actions and acknowledged mistakes in spending time with Epstein. According to reports, Gates apologized to his employees, admitting that it was a "huge mistake" to engage with Epstein but emphasized that he did nothing illicit or saw anything illicit during their interactions. This comes after the U.S. Department of Justice released files related to Epstein in January, reigniting scrutiny over Gates' association with the convicted sex offender.
Gates told his foundation staff that he met Epstein starting in 2011, years after Epstein had pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution. He acknowledged being aware of Epstein's legal issues but admitted he didn't properly investigate Epstein's background. Gates also revealed that he had affairs with two Russian women, which Epstein later discovered. Despite these admissions, Gates maintained that he never spent time with Epstein's victims or the women around him and expressed regret for his past actions.
The situation has drawn attention to the broader implications of high-profile individuals' associations with controversial figures like Epstein. Melinda Gates, Bill's former wife, has also spoken about her discomfort with their association even before their divorce in 2021. The incident highlights the importance of transparency and accountability, particularly for figures involved in philanthropy and global health efforts.
Gates' remarks during the staff meeting were part of a regularly scheduled town hall, where he addressed questions on Epstein's files, the foundation's work in AI, and future health initiatives. While Gates has not been accused of wrongdoing by Epstein's victims, the renewed focus on his past ties underscores the need for leaders to carefully consider their associations and the impact these relationships can
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on BBC World on 2/25/2026