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Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has openly addressed his controversial association with Jeffrey Epstein, characterizing it as a "foolish" decision that damaged both his philanthropic endeavors and his marriage. In a recent Wall Street Journal interview, Gates provided his most candid assessment yet of the relationship that has continued to haunt his legacy.
"In retrospect, I was foolish to spend any time with him," Gates admitted to the WSJ, explaining that his initial motivation was to leverage Epstein's connections for global health initiatives. "I thought it would help me with global health philanthropy. In fact, it failed to do that - it was just a huge mistake."
The relationship between Gates and Epstein began in 2011, after Epstein had already served jail time and was a registered sex offender. According to The New York Times' reporting, the pair met multiple times to discuss potential fundraising for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, though these efforts never materialized.
The association became a significant source of tension in Gates' marriage to Melinda French Gates. In a revealing CBS Mornings appearance, Melinda described Epstein as "evil personified" and confirmed that his presence in their lives contributed to their divorce decision. A source close to the couple told People magazine that "Epstein was definitely a sore spot" that festered over many years.
The situation grew more complex in 2017 when, according to The Wall Street Journal, Epstein attempted to leverage his connection with Gates by threatening to expose an alleged affair with Russian bridge player Mila Antonova. A Gates spokesperson firmly denied any financial dealings with Epstein, stating that their interactions were "solely for philanthropic purposes."
Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, had a pattern of using his connections with prominent figures to enhance his reputation. Gates acknowledged this dynamic, noting, "He got time with various people by spending time with other people."
The experience has made Gates more cautious about building new connections. When asked if the controversies influenced his approach to relationships, he responded with a telling laugh, "Definitely. I mean, are you kidding?"
