Bill Gates has described his association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as a “grave error in judgment”, telling a behind-closed-doors session that the relationship was limited to philanthropy and that he had no knowledge of Epstein’s abuse of girls. The Microsoft co-founder also categorically denied any wrongdoing or participation in Epstein’s illegal conduct.
Bill Gates: ‘A Grave Error in Judgment’
Gates first met Epstein in January 2011, having been introduced by two officials from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Melanie Walker and Boris Nikolic. Their interactions continued until December 2014, with Gates stating that the meetings were focused on philanthropy and Epstein’s purported ability to connect him with wealthy donors for global health initiatives.
The billionaire has since repeatedly expressed regret, calling the association a “huge mistake” and apologising to his staff at the Gates Foundation. In his private comments, Gates acknowledged that Epstein attempted to use information about his extramarital affairs as leverage to pressure him into re-engaging. Emails released by the US Justice Department suggest Epstein was exploring ways to exploit that information, though Gates has maintained that he was never blackmailed.
Gates has admitted to having extramarital affairs with two Russian women — a bridge player and a nuclear scientist. He believes Epstein learned of these relationships through Boris Nikolic, who was aware of them. Gates has stressed that Epstein was not involved with either woman and denied allegations contained in some emails drafted by Epstein that he had a sexually transmitted disease. He also stated that he never went to Epstein’s island or ranch and that he never victimised anyone.
Epstein’s Extensive UK Ties and London City Hall Questions
Epstein’s network extended deep into British public life. Ghislaine Maxwell, a British socialite and Epstein’s close associate, was convicted of sex trafficking and child sexual abuse for her role in recruiting young girls. Despite online conspiracy theories, there are no familial ties between Bill Gates and Maxwell.
Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, had a close friendship with Epstein that began in the 1990s. His ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, also had a financial relationship with Epstein. Both have since apologised for their associations. Separately, Peter Mandelson, a former Labour Party MP and senior government figure, maintained a friendship and business relationship with Epstein even after his conviction. Files suggest Mandelson advised Epstein on lobbying the UK government.
London served as a key base for Epstein and his associates, with the convicted financier housing alleged victims in flats in Kensington and Chelsea. The Metropolitan Police had at one point declined to investigate Epstein in London, according to reports.
Documents relating to Epstein also contain a reference to London City Hall. A record dated 16 November 2019 lists “Jeffrey Epstein” under the heading “London City Hall”, with questions posed to the Met police regarding investigations into allegations. The precise context of that entry remains unclear. London City Hall meetings, including Mayor’s Question Time, are generally open to the public, with agendas published in advance.
Further questions remain about the specific nature of any meeting arranged by one of Epstein’s fixers at London City Hall in connection with Gates’s associates. The role of Epstein’s fixer in London, the security protocols that would have allowed such a meeting, and potential cross-references between Gates’s visits to London and his meetings with Epstein have yet to be publicly clarified.
