Bill Gates ‘Took Responsibility’ Over Epstein Ties at Foundation Meeting

Published: 25 February 2026 . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates has addressed renewed scrutiny of his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, telling staff at a recent Gates Foundation town hall that he “took responsibility” for his actions and expressed regret over the link. The comments come after new documents released by the US Department of Justice revealed repeated meetings between Gates and Epstein in the years after Epstein’s prison term, prompting internal and external questions about the relationship and its impact on the foundation’s work.

At the meeting with foundation employees, Gates acknowledged that “it was a huge mistake to spend time with Epstein” and to involve foundation executives in discussions, according to a Wall Street Journal report reviewed by Reuters. He apologised to colleagues for drawing others into the controversy, while stressing that he “did nothing illicit” and insisted he had no involvement in any of Epstein’s crimes.

Documents referenced during the discussion included calendar entries, emails and photos showing Gates and Epstein at meetings about philanthropic efforts after Epstein’s 2008 conviction, though Gates said the interactions were limited to discussions about charitable activities and travel. He also sought to clarify that he never spent time with Epstein’s victims and did not visit Epstein’s private island, which has been a focal point of public concern.

In addition to addressing background questions, Gates acknowledged having had personal relationships with two women who were described in the released files, but said those did not involve Epstein’s victims and were unrelated to any wrongdoing by the financier. The Gates Foundation emphasised that Epstein was never employed by, paid by, or directly affiliated with the organisation, and that no formal collaboration ever materialised out of his meetings with foundation representatives.

The foundation’s statement said Gates answered a range of submitted questions and spoke candidly about the issues during the scheduled town hall, which is typically held twice a year. While Gates reiterated regret over the association, he framed his comments as part of a candid internal discussion rather than as a legal or formal admission of misconduct.

The remarks come amid ongoing public interest in the so-called “Epstein files,” a cache of documents released under a transparency initiative that includes communications involving Epstein and numerous high-profile individuals. Gates recently withdrew from a keynote speaking role at an international summit amid the controversy, underscoring the sensitivity of the issue for both his personal reputation and the foundation’s global work.

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