Bill Gates Admits Jeffrey Epstein Ties Contributed to Divorce

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has admitted that his association with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was a “foolish” decision that contributed to his divorce from Melinda French Gates.

Reflecting on the relationship, Gates stated, “In retrospect, I was foolish to spend any time with him. It was a mistake that played a role in the breakdown of my marriage.” This marks a rare acknowledgment from Gates linking his interactions with Epstein to the end of his nearly 30-year marriage.

Gates‘ ties to Epstein have drawn public scrutiny since reports revealed multiple meetings between them, even after Epstein’s criminal history was known. Melinda Gates has publicly expressed her discomfort with the relationship, calling Epstein “abhorrent” and “evil personified” in a March 2022 CBS interview. She noted that these meetings were among the factors that led to the divorce, which was announced in May 2021.

Reports suggest Melinda raised concerns about Epstein as early as 2013 and sought divorce lawyers in 2019 after learning of Gates‘ continued association with him. The divorce became one of the most high-profile separations in recent years, partly due to Epstein‘s controversial involvement.