Bill Gates ’took responsibility for his actions’ over Epstein links, foundation says

Bill Gates took responsibility for his actions regarding his ties to late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during a town hall meeting with employees of the Gates Foundation on February 24, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the philanthropic group in a written statement released on Tuesday. The Microsoft co-founder addressed his connections with Epstein directly with foundation staff, marking what appears to be his most substantial public acknowledgment of these controversial associations to date. Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, had multiple meetings with Gates between 2011 and 2014, though Gates has previously stated these meetings were focused on philanthropic goals rather than personal matters. The timing of this acknowledgment comes amid increasing scrutiny of high-profile philanthropists and their organizations regarding due diligence in associations and partnerships.