Bill Gates admitted to two extramarital affairs and apologized to foundation staff for his past association with Jeffrey Epstein, insisting he engaged in no illicit conduct.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has admitted he had two affairs with Russian women while married to his former wife, Melinda French Gates, and apologized to staff over his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Speaking at a foundation town hall, Gates said, “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit. To be clear, I never spent any time with the victims, the women around him.” He acknowledged flying on a private plane with Epstein and meeting him in several countries but denied any criminal involvement.
Gates said, “I did have affairs, one with a Russian bridge player who met me at bridge events, and one with a Russian nuclear physicist who I met through business activities.” He admitted his ex-wife had been skeptical of his association with Epstein, adding, “I apologize to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake I made. It definitely is the opposite of the values of the foundation.” A spokesperson said Gates “spoke candidly” and “took responsibility for his actions.”