Bill Gates Says He Regrets Contact With Jeffrey Epstein

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates addressed his appearance in millions of pages of recently released Jeffrey Epstein related documents, rejecting claims that he engaged in inappropriate conduct and describing his association with Epstein as a serious mistake.

“I Was Foolish to Spend Time With Him”

In an exclusive interview with 9News Chief Political Editor Charles Croucher, Gates said he met Epstein in 2011 and attended a number of dinners over a three-year period.

“The focus was always that he knew a lot of very rich people and claimed he could encourage them to support global health initiatives,” Gates said. “In retrospect, that was a dead end. I was foolish to spend time with him.”

Gates stressed that the interactions were limited and professional, adding that he never visited Epstein’s private island.

Denial of Allegations in Epstein Files

The newly released documents include draft messages found in Epstein’s email account alleging that Gates had used Epstein to arrange meetings with women and had contracted a sexually transmitted infection.

Gates firmly denied the claims, calling them “false” and pointing out that the emails were never sent.

“Apparently, Jeffrey wrote an email to himself. That email was never sent, and it is false,” Gates said. “I don’t know whether he was trying to attack me or what his thinking was.”

“I Never Went to the Island”

Gates reiterated that he never met women through Epstein and never travelled to locations associated with Epstein’s abuse network.

“It’s factually true that I was only at dinners,” Gates said. “I never went to the island. I never met any women.”

He added that he was far from alone in regretting any association with Epstein.

“I was one of many people who regret ever knowing him,” Gates said. “The more that comes out, the clearer it will be that while spending time with him was a mistake, it had nothing to do with that kind of behaviour.”

Melinda French Gates Responds

Melinda French Gates also addressed the renewed attention surrounding Epstein, telling NPR that the allegations brought back “very, very painful” memories from her marriage.

She said Gates was among many high-profile figures who had questions to answer regarding their contact with Epstein, though Gates has consistently denied any misconduct.