Seattle, United States — February 25, 2026
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has publicly described his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as a “huge mistake,” apologizing to employees during a recent town hall at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
According to a foundation spokesperson and media reports, Gates acknowledged that meeting with Epstein and involving foundation officials in those meetings was the wrong decision.
🗣️ Apology at Foundation Town Hall
As reported by The Wall Street Journal, Gates addressed staff directly during the internal event. Citing a recording of the town hall, the report said Gates admitted error and expressed regret.
“I apologize to those who were drawn into this because of my mistake,” Gates reportedly said, adding that he takes responsibility for his decisions.
The foundation confirmed that the town hall had been scheduled in advance and included discussion on multiple topics, including the release of documents related to Epstein.
📄 DOJ Documents and Meeting Details
Documents released by the United States Department of Justice indicated that Gates met Epstein several times after Epstein had completed a previous sentence. The meetings reportedly included discussions related to philanthropic initiatives.
According to reports, Gates also acknowledged having personal relationships with two Russian women, information that later became known to Epstein. Gates clarified to employees that those relationships were unrelated to Epstein’s victims and emphasized that he had not engaged in illegal conduct.
“I did nothing illegal, nor did I see anything illegal,” Gates reportedly told staff.
📸 Clarification on Photographs
DOJ-released documents included photographs of Gates with women whose identities were blurred. Gates reportedly told employees that the images were taken following meetings arranged at Epstein’s request and reiterated that he never spent time with Epstein’s victims.
The foundation stated that Gates addressed the matter openly during the town hall and that no further comment would be issued beyond the official statement.
Earlier this month, the foundation clarified that it had never provided financial payments to Epstein nor appointed him to any position.
🌍 Canceled India AI Summit Appearance
Last week, Gates canceled his scheduled keynote address at an AI Impact Summit in India just hours before the event. No official connection was made between the cancellation and the Epstein-related disclosures.
🏛 About the Gates Foundation
Founded in 2000 by Bill Gates and his former wife, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is one of the world’s largest philanthropic organizations.
After Melinda French Gates stepped down as co-chair in 2024, Gates has overseen the organization’s operations.
Gates has announced that the foundation will permanently close on December 31, 2045. For 2026, he has allocated $9 billion toward philanthropic spending, with a long-term commitment of $200 billion over the next 20 years. The foundation has also indicated it will reduce staff over time, with compensation arrangements in place.
