'I apologise': Bill Gates says Epstein meetings were a mistake he regrets 'every minute'

The comments come amid renewed scrutiny following the release of a massive tranche of documents by the US Justice Department, reviving uncomfortable questions about Epstein’s links with influential global figures.

Speaking to Australia’s 9News in a televised interview, Gates struck a note of contrition while firmly denying allegations that emerged from Epstein-related correspondence now circulating publicly.

Fresh Epstein files reignite global scrutiny

The newly unsealed documents, released last week, include emails, photos, and records involving prominent politicians, business leaders, and celebrities. 

While the presence of a name in the files does not indicate criminal wrongdoing, the disclosures have reignited debates about Epstein’s social network and the extent of his influence.

Among the documents is an unsent draft email allegedly written by Epstein, in which he claimed Gates had engaged in extramarital affairs and sought assistance related to illicit activities. 

The email described a range of alleged interactions, including facilitating relationships and personal indulgences.

Gates has categorically rejected these claims.

Photos of Bill Gates released in the Epstein files

‘That email is false’

Responding directly to the allegations, Gates dismissed the draft email as fabricated and misleading.

“Every minute I spent with him, I regret, and I apologise,” Gates said in the interview. “That email was never sent. The email is false. I don’t know what his thinking was there. Was he trying to attack me in some way?”

A spokesperson for Gates echoed the denial, stating that the documents merely demonstrate Epstein’s frustration over the lack of an ongoing relationship with the Microsoft founder.

“The only thing these documents demonstrate is Epstein’s frustration that he did not have an ongoing relationship with Gates and the lengths he would go to entrap and defame,” the spokesperson said.

Melinda Gates says ‘painful memories’ resurface

The renewed attention has also prompted a response from Melinda French Gates, Bill Gates’ former wife, who acknowledged that the document release reopened deeply painful chapters of her personal life.

In an interview with US National Public Radio, Melinda said the revelations brought back “memories of some very, very painful times” from their marriage.

“For me, it’s personally hard whenever those details come up,” she said. “Whatever questions remain there… those questions are for those people and for even my ex-husband. They need to answer to those things, not me.”

The Gateses divorced in 2021 after 27 years of marriage.

Why Gates met Epstein

Gates said he first met Epstein in 2011 and had several dinners with him over a three-year period. 

He insisted the interactions were limited in scope and driven by a belief—now acknowledged as misguided—that Epstein could help mobilise wealthy donors for global health initiatives.

“The focus was always that he knew a lot of very rich people and said he could get them to give money to global health,” Gates explained. “In retrospect, that was a dead end.”

Gates also clarified that he never visited Epstein’s private Caribbean island and denied having any inappropriate relationships.

Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. 

Despite his death, the steady release of investigative records continues to expose the breadth of his connections and the discomfort they generate for those named.