Bill Gates apologizes to foundation staff after name surfaces in Epstein Files

2026-02-26 - 09:34

WASHINGTON – Microsoft co-founder and billionaire Bill Gates has formally apologized to the staff of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation after his name appeared in the recently released Epstein Files. Bill Gates expressed regret for past mistakes, acknowledging that his actions may have inadvertently caused reputational harm to the foundation, which works on global humanitarian and philanthropic initiatives. Gates’ apology follows intense public scrutiny as media and investigators continue to review the extensive files, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in connections with Epstein. Gates clarified that he had no involvement in the criminal activities of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He explained that his interactions with Epstein were strictly related to networking with philanthropists and that he neither engaged in nor witnessed any illegal activity. The Epstein Files, released by the US Department of Justice, contain over 3 million pages of documents, 180,000 photographs, and 2,000 videos connected to Epstein’s crimes. The disclosures have also included the names of several high-profile individuals, including President Trump administration officials, Nobel Peace Prize Committee chairman, US President Donald Trump, and First Lady Melania Trump. Former UK Ambassador Peter Mandelson arrested over links to Epstein Files