Bill Gates 'took responsibility' over Epstein ties in staff meeting, foundation says

Bill Gates addressed employees at his charitable foundation regarding his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, taking responsibility for what he called a "huge mistake. " During the town hall meeting, Gates revealed he had two affairs with Russian women that Epstein later discovered, though he denied any illicit activity and stated he never interacted with Epstein's victims. Gates explained he began meeting with Epstein in 2011 because the financier claimed he could help raise money for philanthropic causes, and he continued these meetings through 2014 despite his then-wife Melinda's skepticism.