Bill Gates has expressed deep regret over the time he spent with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, describing it as a period he wishes he could erase. His comments come as new documents released by the US Justice Department shed light on Epstein’s interactions with prominent figures.
In an interview with 9News Australia, Gates said, “Every minute I spent with him, I regret, and I apologize.” He clarified that allegations circulating in a draft email attributed to Epstein—claims of extramarital affairs and other misconduct—were false. “That email was never sent. I don’t know what his thinking was there. Was he trying to attack me?” Gates added.
A spokesperson for Gates echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the newly released files illustrate Epstein’s frustration over not having a closer relationship with Gates and his attempts to defame him.
Gates’ former wife, Melinda French Gates, reflected on the resurfaced details in an interview with US National Public Radio, calling the documents a reminder of painful moments from their marriage. “For me, it’s personally hard whenever those details come up,” she said, noting that any lingering questions about Epstein’s connections were for others to answer, including Bill himself. The couple finalized their divorce in 2021.
Gates revealed he first met Epstein in 2011 and had several dinners with him over three years but never visited Epstein’s Caribbean island nor engaged in any of the alleged illicit activities. “The focus was always on his promise to connect me with wealthy people who could support global health initiatives. In retrospect, that was a dead end,” Gates explained.
While the documents reveal Epstein’s ties to numerous public figures, the mere mention of a name does not imply wrongdoing. Gates emphasized that his interactions were strictly professional and philanthropic in nature.
