Bill Gates Kept Meeting Epstein AFTER Conviction

Bill Gates admitted to multiple extramarital affairs and acknowledged his meetings with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were a “huge mistake,” while denying any involvement in Epstein’s crimes—but serious questions about his judgment and associations continue to undermine his credibility and damage his once-sterling public reputation.

Story Overview

Gates admitted to affairs and confirmed multiple meetings with Epstein after the financier’s 2008 conviction, citing failed philanthropic fundraising as his motivation
Melinda French Gates cited concerns about Gates’ Epstein ties as a factor in their 2021 divorce, after 27 years of marriage
Gates stepped down from Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway boards in 2020 before Microsoft’s investigation into alleged inappropriate workplace relationships concluded
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation faces uncertain future as leadership determines whether the Gates family can continue working together

Gates Acknowledges Poor Judgment in Epstein Association

Microsoft founder Bill Gates publicly admitted his meetings with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein constituted poor judgment, telling staff at his charitable foundation the association was a “huge mistake.” Gates met with Epstein multiple times during the 2010s, well after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for prostitution charges involving minors became public knowledge. Gates claimed he sought Epstein’s connections to secure philanthropic funding for global health initiatives, but the promised contributions never materialized. He stated he terminated contact when it became clear Epstein could not deliver on his representations.

Divorce and Workplace Conduct Allegations Emerge

Gates’ association with Epstein became a significant concern for Melinda French Gates, contributing to their divorce announcement in May 2021 after 27 years of marriage. The Wall Street Journal reported Melinda began consulting divorce attorneys in 2019, citing Gates’ Epstein ties among her concerns. The divorce finalized in August 2021, creating uncertainty about the future of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the world’s largest philanthropic organizations. Concurrently, Microsoft conducted an investigation into allegations of inappropriate sexual relationships between Gates and a company employee, with Gates stepping down from Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway boards in 2020 before the investigation concluded.

Reputation Damage and Foundation Uncertainty

The revelations about Gates’ personal conduct significantly damaged his public image, transforming his reputation from philanthropic innovator to controversial figure whose judgment is questioned. Gates admitted to affairs but denied involvement in any of Epstein’s criminal activities. Foundation leadership has indicated the Gates family will determine over the next two years whether they can continue working together; if not, Gates will use personal funds to compensate Melinda for leaving. The situation raises legitimate concerns about accountability and due diligence among wealthy elites who wield enormous influence over public health policy and global initiatives through their philanthropic organizations.

Questions About Elite Accountability Remain

Gates’ willingness to associate with a convicted sex offender after his 2008 conviction demonstrates troubling judgment that Americans rightfully question. While Gates characterizes the meetings as mistakes made in pursuit of philanthropy, the decision to continue contact with Epstein suggests a troubling willingness to overlook serious criminal conduct when perceived personal or professional benefits are at stake. The timing of Gates’ board departures—before Microsoft’s workplace conduct investigation concluded—raises additional questions about what prompted his exit from corporate governance roles. These issues matter because unelected billionaires like Gates exert enormous influence over global health policy and public discourse, yet face little accountability when their personal conduct and associations prove questionable.

Bill Gates Admits Affairs But Denies Involvement In Epstein Crimeshttps://t.co/fvtmOFOefW

— Channels Television (@channelstv) February 25, 2026

Gates has since moved forward personally, describing Paula Hurd as his “serious girlfriend” in a 2025 appearance. However, the Epstein association remains a permanent part of his public record, appropriately affecting how Americans view his philanthropic work and influence. The case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in billionaire-led foundations that shape public policy without democratic oversight or public accountability mechanisms that apply to elected officials and government agencies.