WASHINGTON: Bill Gates acknowledged he “took responsibility for his actions” regarding his past association with late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during a town hall meeting with employees of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a spokesperson for the organisation said.
The remarks followed a report by The Wall Street Journal claiming that Gates apologised to staff over his contacts with Epstein. According to documents released by the US Department of Justice, Gates met Epstein multiple times after the latter served a prison sentence, primarily to discuss philanthropic initiatives linked to the Microsoft co-founder’s charitable work.
During the town hall, Gates reportedly described his association with Epstein as a “huge mistake,” expressing regret for involving foundation executives in meetings with him. He also apologised to those affected by the controversy, according to media reports citing a recording of the session.
Reports further stated that Gates told employees he had personal relationships that Epstein later became aware of, but maintained that he had done nothing illicit and had no interaction with Epstein’s victims. Images included in documents released by US authorities reportedly showed Gates with individuals connected to Epstein, though faces were redacted.
A spokesperson for the foundation confirmed that Gates addressed questions candidly during the meeting, including those related to the release of Epstein-related files, and said he had taken responsibility for his conduct. The foundation added earlier that it had never made financial payments to Epstein nor employed him in any capacity.
Founded in 2000 by Gates and his former spouse, the Gates Foundation remains one of the world’s largest philanthropic organisations supporting global health and development programmes.