According to the Journal report, Gates told staff that it was a huge mistake to spend time with Epstein and bring Gates Foundation executives into meetings with the sex offender. "In the town hall, Bill spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail, and took responsibility for his actions." The spokesperson also said the Gates Foundation statement acknowledged what was shared by the billionaire during the town hall, and the statement is all that the foundation would say about the report. Earlier this month, the Gates Foundation said it did not make any financial payments to Epstein or employ him at any time. The Gates Foundation, chaired by Bill Gates and started by him and his then-wife in 2000, is one of the world's biggest funders of global health initiatives.

Source: The Telegraph February 25, 2026 07:27 UTC