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Bill Gates is again addressing his past association with Jeffrey Epstein.
In an interview with 9 News Australia published Wednesday, Feb. 4, the Microsoft co-founder, 70, said he regrets spending time with the disgraced financier following the release of new documents tied to Epstein.
Speaking with political editor Charles Croucher, Gates pushed back on claims raised in draft emails Epstein wrote to himself, which suggested misconduct involving women and drugs. Gates said the email was never sent and described its contents as false.
"Apparently, Jeffrey wrote an email to himself," Gates said. "That email was never sent. The email is false. Every minute I spent with him, I regret, and I apologize that I did that."
Gates said he first met Epstein in 2011, years after Epstein had pleaded guilty to sex crimes, and that their interactions were limited to dinners and conversations about philanthropy. He said Epstein claimed he could connect wealthy donors to global health causes, but Gates called the effort a "dead end."
The billionaire denied ever traveling to Epstein's Caribbean island and said he never met women through Epstein. He added that while the meetings were a mistake, they were unrelated to criminal behavior.
Epstein was arrested in 2019, charged with sex trafficking of minors, and died weeks later in jail, in a death ruled a suicide. Gates has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, and a spokesperson said the files reflect Epstein's attempts to defame him.
Gates also acknowledged criticism from his former wife, Melinda French Gates, who has said lingering questions about Epstein remain for those involved.
She has spoken publicly about the pain caused by the revelations, while emphasizing her distance from the controversy and her focus on philanthropy and advocacy work. Gates said he understands the scrutiny and welcomes clarity as additional records are reviewed publicly.
