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Bill Gates discussed his connection to Jeffrey Epstein during a town hall event for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation on Tuesday, the foundation said. A spokesperson said in a statement that Gates “spoke candidly” and “took responsibility for his actions” as questions were raised about his relationship with the late financier, who was convicted of sex crimes.
The foundation said, in the same statement, that Gates addressed several questions in detail. The Wall Street Journal first reported the town hall, according to the Associated Press report.
The renewed attention comes amid public scrutiny of Justice Department materials released last month that relate to the late financier. The documents include email correspondence between Gates and Epstein about philanthropic projects, calendar entries documenting dates they got together, and photographs showing Gates at events attended by Epstein.
The Associated Press report said Gates has not been accused of wrongdoing in connection to Epstein and has denied any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes. Gates previously said he met with Epstein to discuss philanthropy and that he believed he could help raise money for issues such as global health.
Gates has also described regret over the relationship. In remarks to Australia’s 9News earlier this month, he said: “Every minute that I spent with him I regret and I apologize that I did that.”
In parallel, Melinda French Gates, who left the Gates Foundation in 2024, said her ex-husband must answer to the issues raised by the Epstein relationship. When asked about his ties to Epstein, she said he must “answer to those things.”
The report also described how Gates’ high-profile appearances have come under pressure since the Justice Department released millions of documents. It said he pulled out of delivering the keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, stating that he did so “to ensure the focus remains on the AI Summit’s key priorities.”
The Associated Press said it receives financial support for some coverage in Africa and for coverage related to women in the workforce and statehouses from organizations tied to the Gates family. The report also described AP’s partnership arrangements for philanthropy coverage, while saying AP is solely responsible for that content.