Bill Gates Calls Epstein Association a “Major Mistake” as Scrutiny Intensifies
The spotlight has once again turned to Bill Gates’ past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein, forcing the Microsoft co-founder to publicly clarify and defend his position. As renewed debate swirls around Epstein’s network of influential contacts, Gates has openly admitted that engaging with Epstein was one of the most serious errors of judgment in his life.
In a recent interview with Australia’s 9News, Gates spoke candidly about the issue, stating that he regrets every moment of his association with Epstein. He acknowledged that agreeing to meet him was a grave mistake and offered an apology for the decision. At the same time, Gates firmly rejected any allegations linking him to inappropriate or illegal behavior.
Denial of Fresh Allegations
The renewed controversy follows the release of documents related to Epstein that have triggered new claims. One such allegation suggested that Gates had concealed information about a sexually transmitted disease from his wife. Both Gates and his office have categorically denied these claims, calling them completely false.
Gates clarified that the email being cited in support of the accusation was allegedly written by Epstein, was never sent, and contains material that is factually incorrect. According to him, the claims are baseless and misleading.
Nature of Gates–Epstein Meetings
Gates explained that he first met Epstein in 2011, primarily during a handful of dinner meetings. These interactions, he said, revolved around discussions on funding global health and philanthropic initiatives. He emphasized that the meetings never went beyond those limited encounters.
Importantly, Gates stressed that he never visited Epstein’s private island, nor did he have any personal or sexual relationship with him. With hindsight, he admitted that maintaining any connection with Epstein was pointless and represented a deeply flawed decision that he now fully regrets.
Melinda French Gates Speaks Out
The controversy has also drawn a response from Melinda French Gates, Bill Gates’ former wife. In a recent interview with NPR, she said that questions surrounding Epstein reopened painful memories from a difficult period in her marriage.
Melinda made it clear that she should not be the one answering questions about Epstein, stating that responsibility lies with those who were directly involved. She added that she has moved on from what she described as the “mess” she had to leave behind during her marriage.
Bill and Melinda Gates ended their 27-year marriage in 2021, marking one of the most high-profile divorces in recent years.
Calls for Further Investigation
Jeffrey Epstein died in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. Despite his death, investigations and public debate surrounding his ties to powerful individuals continue. In the United States, some political voices are now calling for deeper scrutiny of Epstein’s network, with suggestions that Bill Gates could be asked to testify before Congress if further inquiries proceed.
Focus on the Victims
Concluding her remarks, Melinda French Gates emphasized that the central issue should not be powerful names or public controversy, but the victims of Epstein’s abuse. She stressed that no girl or woman should ever have been subjected to such exploitation, underscoring the human cost at the heart of the scandal.
As discussions around Epstein’s legacy persist, Gates’ admission of regret highlights how even limited associations with disgraced figures can carry long-lasting consequences—both personal and public.