Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates has issued a formal apology regarding his past relationship with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
According to Operative Information Center-OMM, during an interview with Nine News, the entrepreneur expressed deep regret over his interactions with the controversial billionaire. His remarks were also highlighted in reports by the Daily Mail, where Gates admitted that engaging with Epstein was a significant lapse in judgment.
Reflecting on the past, Gates stated that communicating with Epstein was a serious mistake.
“Looking back, I see that it was a dead end and I was foolish to spend time with him. I am one of many people who regret knowing him,”he noted during the interview.
The entrepreneur explained that his primary motivation for maintaining contact with Epstein was the latter's extensive network of wealthy individuals. Gates believed Epstein could influence these contacts to donate to global health projects and philanthropic initiatives. However, he emphasized that these expectations did not justify the association.
Gates stressed his regret for every moment spent in Epstein's company, offering a sincere apology for his actions.
“I don't know what he was thinking. I regret every minute I spent with him and I apologize for my actions. I only attended dinners. I have never been to his island, nor have I met any of his women. As more details emerge, it will become clearer that while it was a wrong decision, I had nothing to do with his behavior,”
he added.The scrutiny over Gates' ties to Epstein has been a subject of public interest since details of their meetings surfaced years ago. Epstein, who was facing federal sex trafficking charges, died in a New York jail in 2019. This latest admission by Gates serves as a clarification of his professional boundaries and a reaffirmation of his commitment to global health through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which remains one of the world's largest private charitable organizations.
