Bill Gates Says He ‘Took Responsibility’ for Epstein Meetings/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Bill Gates discussed his past association with Jeffrey Epstein during a Gates Foundation town hall. A spokesperson said Gates answered questions candidly and accepted responsibility for meeting Epstein. Renewed attention follows the Justice Department’s release of documents mentioning Gates.
Bill Gates Addresses Epstein Ties Quick Looks
- Gates spoke at internal Gates Foundation town hall
- Addressed questions about relationship with Jeffrey Epstein
- Justice Department documents include emails and photos
- Gates denies knowledge of Epstein’s crimes
- Regrets meetings, says he hoped to advance philanthropy
- Withdrew from India AI Impact Summit keynote appearance
- Melinda French Gates says he must “answer” for ties
Deep Look: Bill Gates Says He ‘Took Responsibility’ for Epstein Meetings
Bill Gates addressed his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during a town hall meeting at the Gates Foundation, according to a spokesperson for the nonprofit organization.
During the internal session held Tuesday, Gates spoke directly to foundation staff about his interactions with Epstein and acknowledged responsibility for meeting with the late financier. A spokesperson said Gates answered questions in detail and approached the topic candidly.
“Bill spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail,” the spokesperson said in a statement, adding that he “took responsibility for his actions.”
The renewed focus on Gates’ relationship with Epstein follows the Justice Department’s recent release of millions of pages of documents connected to its investigation into Epstein. Within those files, Gates is mentioned multiple times, including references to email exchanges about philanthropic initiatives, calendar entries documenting meetings, and photographs from events both men attended.
The documents do not accuse Gates of wrongdoing, nor has he been charged in connection with Epstein’s criminal activities. Epstein, a wealthy financier with connections to political and business elites, died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
Gates has consistently stated that his meetings with Epstein were centered on philanthropy. He has said he believed Epstein could assist in raising funds for global health and development projects, areas that have long been central to the mission of the Gates Foundation.
Earlier this month, Gates publicly expressed regret for the association. In an interview with Australia’s 9News, he said, “Every minute that I spent with him I regret and I apologize that I did that.”
The release of Justice Department files last month intensified scrutiny of several high-profile figures who had interacted with Epstein over the years. Photographs and references involving Gates quickly circulated across media and social platforms, renewing questions about the scope and nature of their relationship.
Amid the heightened attention, Gates withdrew from delivering the keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. Organizers said the decision was made to ensure the focus of the event remained on artificial intelligence and its policy implications, rather than on unrelated controversies.
The Gates Foundation, one of the world’s largest philanthropic organizations, has faced periodic scrutiny over its governance and leadership structure. In 2024, Melinda French Gates stepped down from the foundation to concentrate on her own philanthropic work through Pivotal Ventures.
When asked about her former husband’s association with Epstein, French Gates said he must “answer to those things.” Both she and Bill Gates have acknowledged that his meetings with Epstein contributed to strain within their marriage prior to their divorce.
Despite the renewed public attention, no legal action has been taken against Gates related to Epstein. The Gates Foundation has continued its work in global health, vaccine development, poverty reduction, and education initiatives worldwide.
For Gates, the town hall appearance represents an effort to address concerns directly within his organization, while the broader public conversation continues as more information from federal investigations becomes publicly available.
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