Bill Gates has admitted he had two affairs with Russian women following STD claims, and issued a new apology over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The 70-year-old Microsoft co-founder addressed staff at his foundation during a town hall meeting on Tuesday (February 24), where he acknowledged mistakes in his personal life.

During the meeting, Gates revealed he had extramarital relationships while married to Melinda French Gates, who filed for divorce in 2021, ending their 27-year marriage.

“I did have affairs, one with a Russian bridge player who met me at bridge events, and one with a Russian nuclear physicist who I met through business activities,” he told staffers, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Bill Gates has admitted he had two affairs with Russian women while married to Melinda French Gates. Credit: Bryan Bedder/Getty

Epstein had previously threatened Gates over the affair with Russian bridge player Mila Antonova, which was reported by the outlet.

Gates met Antonova in 2010 at a tournament they were playing in.

The late financier later met Antonova while seeking financial backers for a bridge academy before he paid for her to attend a software coding school.

According to WSJ, in a July 4, 2013, email to Boris Nikolic, Gates’ chief adviser for science and technology, Epstein named two women with whom he alleged Gates had affairs.

The disgraced financier claimed the women risked 'becoming overnight sensations,' telling Nikolic: “Bill risks going from richest man to biggest hypocrite, Melinda a laughing stock, pledges will disappear as a result."

Just weeks later, Epstein sent a 'resignation' email to himself in which he appeared to be writing as Nikolic. "During the past few weeks, I have been caught up in a severe marital dispute between Melinda and Bill," the email said.

The message suggested Nikolic had assisted Gates in securing medication 'in order to deal with the consequences of sex with Russian girls'.

Nikolic later claimed the emails were not written on his behalf or at his request.

Epstein had previously threatened Gates over the affair with Russian bridge player Mila Antonova. Credit: Patrick McMullan/Getty

Gates: 'I Did Nothing Illicit'

Gates addressed his relationship with Epstein directly during the town hall, confirming he met the financier in 2011, after Epstein’s Florida conviction for procuring a child for prostitution.

He admitted flying on a private plane with the disgraced man and spending time with him in New York, Germany, France, and Washington, but said he never visited Epstein’s island.

“I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit,” Gates said.

“To be clear, I never spent any time with the victims, the women around him.”

He acknowledged that his ex-wife had long been 'skeptical' about his connection to Epstein and apologized to those affected by the controversy.

“I apologize to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake I made...

"It definitely is the opposite of the values of the foundation and the goals of the foundation," he said.

An organization spokesperson said the businessman “spoke candidly” and “took responsibility for his actions.”

“I thought it would help me with global health philanthropy. In fact, it failed to do that. It was just a huge mistake,” Gates told the Journal.

In a separate interview with 9News in Australia, he added: "Every minute I spent with him I regret and I apologise that I did that."

Melinda Gates and Bill Gates are divorced. Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty

Melinda Speaks Out

Melinda has also opened up about the allegations while on NPR’s Wild Card podcast.

"For me, it's personally hard whenever those details come up, right?

"Because it brings back memories of some very, very painful times in my marriage," she said.

"Whatever questions remain there of what - I can't even begin to know all of it - those questions are for those people and for even my ex-husband.

"They need to answer to those things, not me."

"I’m able to take my own sadness and look at those young girls and say, ‘My God, how did they… How did that happen to those girls?" she added.

Featured image credit: Bryan Bedder/Getty

Bill Gates has addressed his inclusion in the latest Epstein files, following claims that he "caught STDs from Russian girls".

In an interview with Australia’s 9News, the Microsoft co-founder, 70, admitted that "every minute he spent" with Epstein was a regret, and he apologized for his association with the financier.

"I apologize that I did that," he stated. "I was foolish to spend time with him, and I am one of many people who regret ever knowing him."

Bill Gates has spoken out about his inclusion in the Epstein files. Credit: Bryan Bedder / Getty

Gates has previously documented his meetings with Epstein, which began in 2011, but he denied ever visiting the disgraced financier's infamous private island or having relations with women linked to him.

"The more that comes out, the more clear it will be that, although the time was a mistake, it has nothing to do with that kind of behavior," he added.

He also addressed an email draft found in Epstein’s records, which alleged that he had contracted a sexually transmitted infection after meeting women arranged by Epstein.

"Apparently, Jeffrey wrote an email to himself. That email was never sent, and it is false," he explained. "I don’t know what his thinking was there. Was he trying to attack me in some way?"

Gates added that it's "factually true" that he was "only at dinners," adding: "I never went to the island. I never met any women. And so, you know, the more that comes out, the more clear it’ll be that although the time was a mistake, it had nothing to do with that kind of behavior.”

A spokesperson for the billionaire has also dismissed the documents, stating: "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."

A picture of Bill Gates standing next to a woman was found in the Epstein files. Credit: House Oversight Committee

Melinda French Gates Reacts to New Revelations

Melinda French Gates has also responded to the latest files, which were released as part of a broader investigation into Epstein.

Speaking on NPR’s Wild Card podcast, she expressed her sadness over the new details and reflected on the painful period of her marriage to Gates.

"Whatever questions remain there of what - I can’t even begin to know all of it - those questions are for those people and for even my ex-husband. They need to answer to those things, not me," she said, per CNN.

"I’m able to take my own sadness and look at those young girls and say, ‘My God, how did they… How did that happen to those girls?" she added.

French Gates expressed a desire for justice for the women affected by Epstein’s crimes, noting the "unimaginable" situation they were placed in.

Featured image credit: Bryan Bedder / Getty

Bill Gates has vehemently denied recent claims made in the newly released Jeffrey Epstein files, which contain allegations about the Microsoft founder. These documents, which were made public on January 30, 2026, by the US Justice Department, are part of a massive archive of materials related to Epstein's sex trafficking and conspiracy charges.

Among the hundreds of thousands of files, some have made bold accusations about Gates, including a claim that he contracted a sexually transmitted disease after engaging with Russian women.

The documents released include an email dated July 18, 2013, in which Epstein allegedly discusses Gates's interactions with Russian girls and mentions Gates’s request for antibiotics.

The email reportedly stated that Gates wanted the antibiotics to “surreptitiously give” to his then-wife, Melinda. The document also included claims that Gates was involved in a "severe marital dispute" and had requested Epstein’s help in dealing with the aftermath of his actions.

Bill Gates was pictured standing next to a woman. Credit: House Oversight Committee

Gates responds to the Epstein allegations

A spokesperson for Gates swiftly dismissed the accusations, calling them “absolutely absurd and completely false,” per CBS News. The statement further emphasized that the documents were a reflection of Epstein’s frustration over not maintaining an ongoing relationship with Gates. “These documents demonstrate 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 added.

Gates had previously addressed his past association with Epstein, expressing regret in a 2025 interview with The Wall Street Journal. He described spending time with Epstein as “a huge mistake,” explaining that he believed it might aid his global health philanthropy efforts but ultimately realized it had no positive impact.

Bill and Melinda Gates' separation

Bill and Melinda Gates announced their separation in May 2021, finalizing their divorce in August of the same year. The couple, who were married for 27 years, share three children: Jennifer, 30, Rory, 25, and Phoebe, 23.

Despite the personal challenges the couple faced, the release of these new documents has once again thrust the Gates family into the spotlight, drawing attention to both their private and public lives.

Featured image credit: Kevin Dietsch / Getty

In a new revelation, documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice on Friday have shed light on a series of explosive claims made by the late financier Jeffrey Epstein against Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.

The records, which include 3.5 million pages of previously sealed documents, detail a draft statement allegedly written by Epstein that accuses Gates of seeking treatment for sexually transmitted diseases linked to encounters with Russian women, as reported by the New York Post.

These claims, however, have been strongly rejected by Gates' representatives, calling them "completely false."

The Accusations

The documents, which are part of a larger cache of files made public by the Justice Department, highlight what appear to be personal correspondence involving Epstein and one of Gates' long-time science advisers, Boris Nikolic.

According to the files, Epstein allegedly drafted a statement on July 18, 2013, that was intended to announce Nikolic's departure from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

In the draft, Epstein claimed that during his time working with Gates, he had been asked to provide the billionaire with medicine to treat the aftereffects of sexual encounters with "Russian girls".

Epstein allegedly wrote: “During the past few weeks I have been caught up in a severe marital dispute between Melinda and Bill.”

He continued: “In my role as his right hand I had been asked on multiple occasions [sic] and in hindsight, wrongly acquiesced into participating in things that have ranged from the morally inappropriate, to the ethically unsound and had been repeatedly asked to do other things that get near and potentially over the line into the illegal.”

Bill Gates has been pictured in the Epstein files. Credit: House Oversight Committee

He further alleged that he had been asked to provide antibiotics to Gates, referencing sexual encounters with Russian women, and even mentioned his involvement in facilitating alleged illicit relationships for Gates.

Epstein’s draft letter went on to mention: “From helping Bill to get drugs, in order to deal with consequences of sex with Russian girls, to facilitating [sic] his illicit trysts, with married women, to being asked to provide adderall [for] bridge [tournaments],” before expressing regret for his actions.

A “Cover Up” and Further Allegations

In a separate email draft to Gates, Epstein, writing in Nikolic's voice, went even further, accusing the billionaire of orchestrating a “cover up” to maintain his public image.

The email allegedly included a request for Epstein to delete emails that referenced the STD treatment request and other sensitive matters, including details about Gates' alleged affair with a Russian bridge player named Mila Antonova.

The email read: “[You] implore me to please delete the emails regarding your std [sic], your request that I provide you antibiotics that you can surreptitiously give to Melinda, and the description of your penis.”

It also suggested that the potential damage to the Gates Foundation’s philanthropic efforts could lead to billions of dollars being withdrawn if the details of Gates' personal life were made public.

Gates has previously stated his regret for his association with Epstein. Credit: Patrick McMullan / Getty

Gates Responds to the Allegations

A spokesperson for Gates was quick to deny the allegations, dismissing them as "completely false" and labeling them a product of Epstein's bitterness and desire to tarnish the billionaire's reputation.

The spokesperson further commented: "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."

Bill Gates has consistently denied any inappropriate conduct with Epstein, stressing that their relationship was focused solely on philanthropic work.

Gates has also stated that his association with Epstein was a mistake. In a 2021 interview, Gates told CNN: “It was a huge mistake to spend time with him, to give him the credibility of being there.”

Featured image credit: Kevin Dietsch / Getty

Newly released documents tied to federal investigations into Jeffrey Epstein are once again drawing intense public attention.

The latest batch of materials includes emails, images and correspondence that have circulated online.

Although none of the individuals identified in the newly disclosed records are accused of misconduct in these documents, the revelations have revived longstanding questions about Epstein’s efforts to cultivate relationships with some of the world’s wealthiest and most powerful figures.

At the center of the renewed focus is a list of 11 billionaires whose names appear in the files.

Eleven billionaires identified in Epstein files

The documents reference a group of ultra wealthy figures from technology, finance, retail and media, reflecting the wide range of Epstein’s social and professional outreach.

Among them is Bill Gates, whose name appears in emails and scheduling records documenting multiple meetings with Epstein after Epstein’s 2008 conviction.

Gates has acknowledged that maintaining contact was a mistake and has said their discussions involved philanthropy funding. There are no allegations of criminal conduct.

Bill Gates has denied any wrongdoing. Credit: Bryan Bedder / Getty

Les Wexner, the retail magnate whose finances Epstein managed for years, is also named. Wexner granted Epstein extensive power of attorney before later severing ties.

He has said Epstein misappropriated funds and publicly condemned him, adding that he was unaware of Epstein’s crimes at the time.

Leon Black is included as well, having paid Epstein tens of millions of dollars for tax and estate planning services. Black has described those payments as a serious lapse in judgment, and an independent review found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing.

Richard Branson appears in connection with social events and interactions where Epstein was present. Branson has said he cut off contact and denies any involvement in illegal activity.

Sergey Brin is referenced in contact or social records associated with Epstein’s network. There are no allegations of misconduct and no indication of a close relationship.

Steve Tisch is cited in documents tied to social gatherings and circles in which Epstein moved. No accusations of illegal behavior are connected to his name.

Elon Musk is listed in Epstein’s contact materials. Musk has said he never visited Epstein’s properties and ended contact.

Mortimer Zuckerman is identified in records reflecting Epstein’s links to wealthy and influential individuals. There are no criminal allegations involving him.

Ariane de Rothschild is mentioned in documents connected to Epstein’s attempts to build relationships within elite financial circles. There are no allegations of misconduct.

Howard Lutnick is referenced in network or contact materials associated with Epstein. He faces no accusations of criminal behavior.

Peter Thiel is also named in records that reflect Epstein’s outreach to leaders in technology and finance. There are no allegations of wrongdoing tied to him.

Inclusion in the Epstein Files does not indicate wrongdoing. Credit: Joe Schildhorn / Patrick McMullan / Getty

Private dinner photo spotlights tech leaders

Beyond the billionaire list, one of the most talked-about items in the newly circulated files is a photograph that Epstein emailed to himself on August 3, 2015.

The image shows a small group seated at a long table in a dimly lit room, facing someone positioned outside the frame. Epstein does not appear in the shot, though it is believed he may have taken the picture.

A guest list sent on August 1 ahead of the gathering included Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan, along with Tesla and SpaceX leader Elon Musk.

The image is believed to have been taken by Epstein. Credit: Department of Justice

According to that list, both Zuckerberg and Musk were seated at the table. Also invited were PayPal co founder Peter Thiel, LinkedIn co founder Reid Hoffman and former MIT Media Lab director Joi Ito, though not every person named appears in the photograph itself.

In a separate email dated 20 August to billionaire Thomas Pritzker, Epstein characterized the evening as "wild" and wrote that he "had dinner with zuckerburg, mu=k, thiel hoffman".

Featured image credit: Patrick McMullan / Getty