Written by Jonathan Mitchell.
In a candid interview with The Wall Street Journal, Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates admitted that his association with Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender, was a grave error. Gates described himself as “foolish” and “quite stupid” for engaging with Epstein, a man whose legacy remains tainted by criminal activities and allegations of blackmail.
“In retrospect, I was foolish to spend any time with him,” Gates told WSJ editor-in-chief Emma Tucker. “He sort of got time with various people by spending time with other people. I thought it would help me with global health, philanthropy. In fact, it failed to do that, and it was just a huge mistake.”
When asked if this experience has made him more cautious, Gates responded emphatically. “Definitely. I mean, are you kidding?”
Epstein’s Attempts at Manipulation
The shadow of Jeffrey Epstein looms large over Gates’ reflections. Reports suggest Epstein leveraged his knowledge of Gates’ personal indiscretions, including an alleged affair with Russian bridge player Mila Antonova, as a means to exert influence. According to The Wall Street Journal, Epstein threatened to reveal Gates’ affair after Gates declined to contribute $100 million to a charity tied to the financier.
Epstein’s efforts didn’t stop there. In a bizarre twist, he named Boris Nikolic, a close associate and former science adviser to Gates, as a backup executor in his will just days before his death in 2019. Nikolic later disclosed that he was unaware of this designation until after Epstein’s demise. “I have come to believe it was likely a retaliatory move against Bill Gates,” Nikolic told the Journal.
The Impact on Gates’ Personal Life
While Gates has repeatedly denied any criminal involvement with Epstein, the fallout has extended into his personal life. His former wife, Melinda French Gates, voiced her disapproval of Gates’ interactions with Epstein early on, citing unease about the financier’s character. In an interview last year, Melinda described her single meeting with Epstein as deeply unsettling.
“I did not like that [Bill] had meetings with Jeffrey Epstein,” she revealed. “I made that clear to him. I also met Jeffrey Epstein exactly one time. I wanted to see who this man was, and I regretted it from the second I stepped in the door.”
Melinda’s assessment of Epstein was harsh but unequivocal: “Evil personified.”
A Marriage Undone
Gates and Melinda finalized their divorce in 2021, but the cracks in their marriage had begun to show long before. While neither has publicly confirmed Epstein as the direct cause of their split, it’s clear his presence didn’t help matters. Gates himself recently confessed to The Times of London that their divorce remains his biggest regret.
“The mistake I regret the most,” he said, hinting at a desire to rebuild bridges with his ex-wife.
Our Take
The revelations surrounding Gates’ association with Epstein highlight a troubling trend among powerful figures who seek connections under the guise of philanthropy. Gates’ admission of “stupidity” and regret is a sobering reminder that even the most accomplished individuals can make morally questionable decisions in pursuit of their goals.
For the public, these associations underscore the dangers of unchecked influence and the lengths some will go to manipulate others for personal gain. Epstein’s actions serve as a cautionary tale about the perils of mingling philanthropy with dubious partnerships. Transparency and accountability are essential to ensure trust isn’t eroded by the actions of those wielding immense power and wealth.
Bill Gates recently told the Wall Street Journal that he was “foolish” to spend any time with Jeffrey Epstein.
“I thought it would help me with global health, philanthropy. In fact, it failed to do that, and it was just a huge mistake.” pic.twitter.com/ZTN5pjY4Gw— Headline USA (@HeadlineUSA) January 27, 2025
Never forget that Bill Gates was asked in an interview if he thinks his ex-wife Melinda was warning him about Jeffrey Epstein “sexually compromising” him.
His response: “No — I had dinner with him, and that’s all.”
— ALX (Vine Nationalist) (@alx) May 22, 2023
