Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has acknowledged that he previously had relationships with two Russian women, according to remarks made during an internal town hall meeting at the Gates Foundation.
The disclosure comes amid longstanding controversy surrounding Gates’ past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a written statement provided to Reuters on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the foundation confirmed that Gates addressed staff questions regarding the matter, including issues related to recently released Epstein files.
Gates reportedly admitted that maintaining contact with Epstein was a “huge mistake” and apologized to colleagues who were drawn into the controversy as a result. However, he firmly denied engaging in any illegal activity.
“I did not do anything illegal. I did not see anything illegal,” Gates told employees, according to the statement. He also clarified that the two Russian women were not victims of Epstein’s trafficking network.
Media reports by Reuters and The Wall Street Journal said Gates acknowledged that taking foundation officials to meetings with Epstein had been an error in judgment. Previously, Gates had maintained that his interactions with Epstein were limited to discussions about philanthropy.
Addressing photographs released in connection with court documents, Gates explained that some images showing him posing with women were taken at Epstein’s request following meetings. The faces of the women in the photos were reportedly blurred in publicly released documents.
Gates emphasized that he never spent time with victims or with women associated with Epstein beyond formal meeting settings.
The spokesperson added that the town hall had been scheduled in advance and that Gates answered a range of questions from staff, including those related to the Epstein case.
The controversy surrounding Gates’ association with Epstein has drawn renewed public attention in recent years, particularly following the release of legal documents tied to Epstein’s criminal investigations.
