by Giulio Talarico
The Microsoft co-founder spoke candidly to employees of the Gates Foundation about his past association with Jeffrey Epstein, calling it a “huge mistake” while denying any illicit conduct.
Bill Gates acknowledged and addressed his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during a recent internal meeting with staff at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the organization confirmed.
In a statement, the foundation said Gates “spoke candidly” and “took responsibility for his actions” during a scheduled town hall with employees, where he answered questions on a range of topics, including the recent release of Epstein-related files by the U.S. Department of Justice.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, which cited a recording of the meeting, Gates apologized to staff for what he described as a “huge mistake” in maintaining contact with Epstein. “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit,” Gates reportedly said, while emphasizing that he never spent time with Epstein’s victims and never stayed overnight at his properties, including the financier’s private island.
The renewed scrutiny follows the publication in January of additional documents related to Epstein, who died in custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. Gates, 70, has not been accused of wrongdoing by any of Epstein’s victims.
During the meeting, Gates reportedly said he first met Epstein in 2011, several years after Epstein had pleaded guilty in Florida to soliciting a minor for prostitution. He acknowledged being aware that Epstein had faced legal restrictions but admitted he had not fully investigated his background. Their contacts continued until 2014.
The Journal also reported that Gates addressed photographs included in the so-called Epstein files, saying they were taken at Epstein’s request with assistants following meetings. He further stated that Epstein had suggested he could help connect Gates with other wealthy donors to support philanthropic initiatives.
The relationship persisted despite concerns from his then-wife, Melinda French Gates, who has previously expressed skepticism about Epstein. Earlier this month, in an interview with NPR, she described the latest disclosures as reopening “painful times” in their marriage. The couple divorced in 2021 after 27 years together.
A spokesperson for the foundation described the town hall as part of Gates’ regular engagement with staff, noting that he addresses employees twice a year. “In the conversation, Bill answered questions submitted by foundation staff on a range of issues,” the statement read, including artificial intelligence, global health initiatives and the Epstein files.
While Gates has repeatedly characterized his association with Epstein as an error in judgment, the episode continues to draw public attention as more documents related to the disgraced financier enter the public domain.
(Associated Medias) – Tutti i diritti sono riservati
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