Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates says he regrets every minute with Jeffrey Epstein, while ex-wife Melinda says questions remain over his ties to the financier
SYDNEY: Bill Gates has expressed profound regret over his association with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. In an interview, the Microsoft co-founder stated he regrets “every minute” spent with the convicted sex offender.
His former wife, Melinda French Gates, said the matter raises questions her ex-husband must still answer. “Those questions are for those people and for even my ex-husband,” she told US National Public Radio.
The comments follow the release of a new tranche of documents from the US Justice Department. Among the files was an unsent draft email in which Epstein made serious allegations against Gates.
The draft email claimed Epstein’s relationship with Gates involved facilitating extramarital affairs. “That email was never sent. The email is false,” Gates told 9News Australia.
A spokesperson for Gates strongly denied the allegations within the documents. They stated the files only show “Epstein’s frustration that he did not have an ongoing relationship with Gates.”
Gates explained his initial contact with Epstein began in 2011. He said their meetings over several years were focused on potential philanthropy for global health causes.
“In retrospect, that was a dead end,” Gates admitted about the philanthropic discussions. He also denied ever visiting Epstein’s Caribbean island or having relations with women through him.
Melinda French Gates described the document release as personally difficult. “It’s personally hard whenever those details come up,” she said, referencing painful memories of her marriage.
The couple finalised their divorce in 2021. The newly released files contain emails between Epstein and numerous prominent figures, revealing various connections.
The documents often show warm friendships and illicit financial dealings. A person’s name appearing in the files does not imply any wrongdoing.
Epstein died by suicide in a prison cell in 2019 while awaiting trial. The investigation into his activities and associates continues to generate headlines globally.