Bill Gates Voices Profound Regret Over Jeffrey Epstein Association
Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates has publicly expressed deep remorse for his past interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, describing every minute spent with him as regrettable. Gates made these emotional statements following the release of new Justice Department documents that mention his name in connection with Epstein's network.
"Every Minute I Spent With Him, I Regret"
In a candid interview with Nine News Australia posted on Wednesday, February 4, Gates acknowledged his serious error in judgment. "It just reminds me, every minute I spent with him, I regret, and I apologize that I did that," Gates stated emphatically. He characterized his decision to meet Epstein as "foolish" and firmly rejected all claims Epstein made about him in the newly disclosed documents.
Gates specifically addressed an email Epstein allegedly wrote to himself in 2013, calling it completely fabricated. "Apparently, Jeffrey wrote an email to himself. That email was never sent, the email is false," Gates explained. "So, I don't know what his thinking was there. Was he trying to attack me in some way?"
Timing and Context of Epstein Meetings
The billionaire philanthropist confirmed that he first met Epstein in 2011, several years after Epstein had already been convicted of sex crimes. Gates emphasized that his interactions were focused on philanthropic fundraising, not personal matters. "The focus was always, he knew a lot of very rich people, and he was saying he could get them to give money to global health," Gates recalled. "In retrospect, that was a dead end."
Gates categorically denied ever visiting Epstein's private island and reiterated his regret. "I was foolish to spend time with him," he added. "I was one of many people who regret ever knowing him."
Specific Allegations and Official Denials
The newly released documents include a series of 2013 emails Epstein sent to himself containing unverified claims about Gates. One email dated July 18, 2013, alleges that Epstein resigned from positions linked to the Gates Foundation and BG3 think tank after becoming "caught up in a severe marital dispute between Melinda and Bill." The email further suggests Epstein helped Gates obtain drugs.
A spokesperson for Gates provided a strong statement to NBC News rejecting these allegations. "These claims are absolutely absurd and completely false," the statement declared. "The only thing these documents demonstrate is Epstein's frustration that he did not have an ongoing relationship with Gates and the lengths he would go to entrap and defame."
Melinda French Gates' Reaction
Gates' former wife, Melinda French Gates, expressed her feelings about seeing her ex-husband's name in the Epstein documents. Speaking on NPR's Wild Card podcast, she said she felt "unbelievable sadness" and emphasized that those mentioned must answer for themselves. "Whatever questions remain there ... for those people, and for even my ex-husband, they need to answer to those things, not me," she stated. "And I am so happy to be away from all the muck that was there."
Broader Context of Epstein Documents
Bill Gates joins several other prominent figures mentioned in the millions of Justice Department documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. The list includes:
- President Donald Trump
- Elon Musk
- Former President Bill Clinton
It's important to note that none of these individuals have been accused by authorities of crimes connected to Epstein, and all have denied any wrongdoing. Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have agreed to testify before Congress regarding the Epstein case in the near future.
Background on the Epstein Case
Jeffrey Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. His death was officially ruled a suicide. His former girlfriend and accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, remains the only person convicted in connection with Epstein's crimes and is currently serving her prison sentence in Texas.
The release of these documents continues to shed light on Epstein's extensive network and raises questions about associations with powerful figures across various sectors, including technology, politics, and philanthropy.
