New York, Feb 25: Bill Gates admitted that his past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein has cast a shadow over the Gates Foundation’s mission. The Microsoft co-founder used a biannual town hall to address the release of thousands of documents that detailed his travel and meetings with the financier between 2011 and 2014.
Gates noted that he had been drawn into meetings because Epstein claimed he could facilitate fundraising for global health causes through his connections with other billionaires. The tech leader stated that the presence of other high-profile individuals at these gatherings made the situation feel “normalized” at the time. However, he affirmed that he never stayed overnight at Epstein’s properties or participated in his criminal activities.
“It definitely is the opposite of the values of the Foundation and the goals of the Foundation,” Gates maintained, acknowledging that the organization’s work is highly sensitive to public perception.
The report also detailed Gates’ admission regarding personal indiscretions, specifically affairs with two Russian nationals he met through business and social activities. He affirmed that 2014 was the final year he had any contact with Epstein, who died in a New York jail cell in 2019.
A spokesperson for the foundation asserted that Gates spoke openly during the meeting and took full responsibility for the errors in judgment. Gates stated that his failure to “properly check” Epstein’s history was a significant oversight that he deeply regrets.
