February 25, 2026 | World News
By SUNTV Global Channel
Bill Gates has publicly acknowledged having extramarital affairs with two Russian women during his marriage to Melinda French Gates, while also issuing a fresh apology over his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The 70-year-old billionaire made the disclosure during a town-hall meeting with staff at his philanthropic foundation on Tuesday, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Admission Of Affairs
Gates admitted he had two relationships outside his marriage — one with a Russian bridge player he met at tournaments and another with a Russian nuclear physicist he encountered through business activities.
He described the affairs as personal mistakes and apologised to staff, saying his conduct did not reflect the foundation’s values.
“I did have affairs… and I apologise to those affected because of the mistake I made,” he reportedly said.
Epstein Links Resurface
Gates also addressed renewed scrutiny surrounding his relationship with Epstein after the U.S. Department of Justice released related documents in January.
He confirmed flying on Epstein’s private plane and meeting him in the United States and abroad between 2011 and 2014 but denied any illegal involvement.
“I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit,” Gates told staff, insisting he never visited Epstein’s private island or interacted with victims.
Marriage Concerns And Divorce
Gates first met Epstein in 2011, years after the financier’s conviction for soliciting a minor. Reports indicate Melinda had expressed strong concerns about the association at the time.
The couple eventually divorced in 2021, ending their 27-year marriage, with Gates later acknowledging that his relationship with Epstein contributed to tensions in their marriage.
Foundation Impact
During the meeting, Gates admitted his past actions had damaged the reputation of his foundation and conflicted with its mission.
He emphasised that while his association with Epstein was a serious error in judgment, he was never involved in any criminal wrongdoing.
