Gates expressed regret over the time spent with Epstein, denying allegations that emerged following the release of new documents from the U.S. Department of Justice. These materials, published last week, included drafts of emails that raised doubts about his reputation.
“I regret every minute spent with him, and I apologize,” Gates said in an interview with Australian broadcaster 9News, which aired on Wednesday.
Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice released nearly three million pages related to Epstein, including drafts of letters containing accusations against Gates.
Gates commented on one such draft written by Epstein in 2013, where he accused Gates of extramarital affairs, claiming that their relationship involved “helping Bill obtain medications to treat the effects of sex with Russian girls and facilitating his secret meetings with married women.”
The letter also mentioned details regarding Gates' personal life, including his requests for medical drugs. Gates called this letter a “lie,” adding, “Jeffrey obviously wrote it to himself. This letter was never sent, and I don’t know what he meant; he might have been trying to set me up.”
A representative for Gates noted that the documents only highlight “Epstein's frustration over the lack of a lasting relationship with Gates and the extremes he was willing to go to discredit him.”
Melinda French Gates, in an interview with NPR set to air on Thursday, said that the documents reminded her of “very painful moments” in their marriage, which ended in divorce in 2021.
French Gates added, “I can’t know all the details, and questions should be directed to those involved, including my ex-husband.”
She previously mentioned that Gates' connection with Epstein influenced her decision to divorce.
Gates clarified that he met Epstein in 2011, three years after Epstein pleaded guilty to involving a minor in prostitution. He also noted that he attended several dinners with Epstein but never visited his private island and denies any sexual contact.
Gates admitted that he “was a fool” for spending time with Epstein, adding that he is not the only one who regrets meeting him. Epstein likely died by suicide in 2019 in a New York prison while under investigation for charges of sex trafficking.
The contents of the documents do not indicate any wrongdoing, and none of the well-known individuals mentioned have faced charges. All deny their involvement in the sexual abuse suffered by Epstein's victims.
