Bill Gates Acknowledges Affairs, Expresses Remorse Over Epstein Relationship

Story: Written by Daniel February 26,2026
Bill Gates has admitted to two extramarital affairs and apologised to staff of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, describing the relationship as a serious personal error.
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, Gates made the remarks during an internal town hall meeting, where he acknowledged that involving senior foundation executives in meetings with Epstein was a mistake. He said he regretted not conducting proper background checks before engaging with Epstein, whom he first met in 2011, despite Epstein’s prior conviction.
Fresh scrutiny of the relationship has followed the release of new documents by the United States Department of Justice, detailing repeated contacts between Gates and Epstein, including meetings, calls, and discussions around philanthropy. Gates denied allegations contained in the documents suggesting misconduct, and stressed that he never stayed at Epstein’s properties nor visited his private island.
During the session, Gates also disclosed that he had two affairs unrelated to Epstein, insisting he had no involvement in any criminal activity. He offered an apology to those affected by the fallout, saying others had been unfairly drawn into the consequences of his decisions.
The controversy continues to cast a shadow over Gates’ public image and philanthropic work, particularly following his 2021 divorce from Melinda Gates, who has previously spoken about the strain the Epstein connection placed on their marriage. While the foundation has sought to distance its work from the scandal, the town hall suggests a move toward greater internal transparency.