In the wake of a large-scale release of documents tied to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, Microsoft co‑founder Bill Gates has publicly expressed regret and apologized for ever spending time with the late financier.
The comments came after the U.S. Department of Justice made millions of pages of previously sealed materials public under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Among the documents were draft emails from Jeffrey Epstein’s accounts that mention Gates. Some of these note claims about Gates’s former personal life; however, legal experts and fact‑checking organizations have clarified that draft emails found in Epstein’s files do not constitute verified evidence of wrongdoing by Gates.
In an interview broadcast by Australia’s 9News, Gates said his interactions with Epstein were a mistake. “Every minute I spent with him, I regret, and I apologize that I did that,” Gates said, calling his decision to spend time with Epstein “foolish.” He added that while they met, it was only over dinners aimed at discussing potential fundraising for global health initiatives, and that he never visited Epstein’s private island or engaged in any inappropriate behavior.
Gates also addressed inflammatory claims attributed to unsent emails among Epstein’s drafts — including one alleging Gates sought help for a sexually transmitted infection — by asserting that those emails were never sent, are false and may have reflected Epstein’s frustration or intent to defame.
Separately, a spokesperson for Gates has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing or misconduct, emphasizing that there is no evidence connecting Gates to illegal or criminal activity through Epstein, and framing the documents as reflecting Epstein’s own biases rather than substantiated facts.
The broader release of Epstein‑related files has prompted a wave of scrutiny and commentary about the many high‑profile figures whose names appear in the documents. While appearing in the files does not imply guilt or legal liability for any person named, Gates’s case has drawn attention because of his stature in philanthropy and technology.
