Overview
- In a Gates Foundation town hall, Gates said he “did nothing illicit” in interactions with Jeffrey Epstein and stated he never spent time with Epstein’s victims.
- Gates confirmed meetings with Epstein from 2011 through 2014, including travel on Epstein’s jet and time in Germany, France, New York and Washington, while saying he never stayed overnight or visited Epstein’s island.
- He acknowledged two extramarital affairs with a Russian bridge player and a Russian nuclear physicist and said Epstein later learned of them.
- Gates told staff that photos in the DOJ cache showing him with women whose faces are redacted were taken at Epstein’s request with his assistants after meetings.
- A foundation spokesperson said Gates answered questions and took responsibility, as reporters continue to parse DOJ files that include draft or unsent emails such as a disputed STI allegation that Gates’ team calls “absolutely absurd and completely false.”