Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has publicly expressed deep regret over his association with Jeffrey Epstein. "Every moment I spent with him, I regret, and I apologize," Gates told 9News Australia in an interview broadcast on 4/2, addressing his relationship with the pedophile financier.

His statement follows the US Department of Justice's release last week of new documents from the Epstein investigation. These files include emails exchanged between Epstein and numerous notable individuals, shedding light on the nature of his connections.

Bill Gates speaks at an event in Manhattan, New York, in 9/2025. Photo: Reuters

One email draft from Epstein implied Gates had affairs, claiming their relationship originated from Epstein helping the American billionaire "buy medicine to deal with the consequences after sex with Russian girls" or arranging "illicit dates" between Gates and married women.

Gates, however, strongly asserted in the Australian news channel interview that this email "was never sent" and is "completely untrue." "I do not know what he was thinking at the time. Was he trying to target me somehow?" Gates questioned.

Gates' spokesperson issued a similar denial, stating: "The only thing these documents show is Epstein's frustration at failing to establish a lasting relationship with Gates, and the lengths he was willing to go to entrap and defame."

Melinda French Gates, Bill Gates' ex-wife, stated that the document release resurfaced memories of painful periods in her marriage. "I find it difficult every time those details are mentioned," she said. "Any remaining questions about those matters, which I cannot even fully know, must be directed to those involved and my ex-husband. They need to provide answers, not me."

Bill Gates told 9News he met Epstein in 2011 and dined with him several times over three years. He emphasized, however, that he never visited Epstein's Caribbean island.

"The focus was always that he knew many wealthy individuals and claimed he could persuade them to donate for global health initiatives. In retrospect, that went nowhere," Gates explained.

While the appearance of a name in the Epstein files does not imply wrongdoing, the new documents have revealed connections between Epstein and numerous prominent figures.

Epstein, born in 1953, was arrested in New York in 7/2019, accused of luring dozens of minors and engaging in sexual acts. The financier faced 45 years in prison if convicted. Epstein denied all charges and was detained at a Manhattan prison, New York. While awaiting trial, Epstein died by suicide in his cell in 8/2019.

Epstein owned the private island of Little St. James in the Caribbean. US media dubbed it "pedophile island," alleging Epstein used it to commit sexual crimes against underage girls and invited some prominent individuals to visit.

Vu Hoang (AFP, Reuters)