Bill Gates admits he was ‘foolish’ to spend time with Jeffrey Epstein — which contributed to Melinda Gates divorce

Bill Gates addressed his controversial former relationship with the late Jeffrey Epstein, admitting it was “a huge mistake” to associate with the convicted child sex offender.

“In retrospect, I was foolish to spend any time with him,” the Microsoft co-founder told the Wall Street Journal in an interview published Friday.

“I think I was quite stupid. I thought it would help me with global health philanthropy. In fact, it failed to do that. It was just a huge mistake.”

Bill Gates addressed his controversial former relationship with Jeffrey Epstein during an interview with the Wall Street Journal. AP
“In retrospect, I was foolish to spend any time with him,” the Microsoft co-founder told the outlet. MerlinProduction

According to the outlet, Epstein threatened to expose Gates’ alleged affair with Russian bridge player Mila Antonova in 2017 after Gates declined to join his multibillion-dollar charitable fund with JPMorgan Chase.

Epstein had known Antonova since 2013 and paid for her to enroll in software coding school.

Reflecting on his and Epstein’s relationship, Gates, 69, admitted he “definitely” became wary of building more connections after the disgraced financier died by suicide while awaiting trial on sex trafficking and federal conspiracy charges in 2019.

Epstein was 66.

“I think I was quite stupid. I thought it would help me with global health philanthropy. In fact, it failed to do that it was just a huge mistake,” Gates added of Epstein (pictured in 2017). AP
In 2017, Epstein reportedly threatened to expose Gates’ alleged affair. Getty Images

The billionaire, who was married to Melinda Gates from 1994 to 2021, was allegedly in a relationship with Antonova for years.

In March 2022, Melinda, 60, claimed Epstein played a role in the demise of her and Bill’s marriage.

During an appearance on “CBS Mornings,” the philanthropist shared that she decided to leave her 27-year marriage “for many things,” including her ex-husband’s former relationship with Epstein.

The tech billionaire admitted he became nervous to make connections again after his negative experience with Epstein. Getty Images
The financier died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking and federal conspiracy charges. Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

“I did not like that he had meetings with Jeffrey Epstein, no. I made that clear to him,” she said, claiming she only met Epstein once because she “wanted to see who” he was.

“I regretted it the second I walked in the door,” Melinda admitted. “He was abhorrent. He was evil personified. My heart breaks for these women.”

In an interview with the Times of London published Saturday, Bill said his divorce from Melinda will always be the “mistake” he regrets most.

Epstein died by suicide. AP
Melinda Gates previously said her ex-husband’s relationship with Epstein contributed to their divorce. AP

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