Billionaire Bill Gates, during a meeting with staff of his foundation, made unprecedented explanations regarding contacts with Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of sexual crimes. The Microsoft co-founder admitted to affairs with two Russian women, including bridge player Mila Antonova and a nuclear physicist. Gates described his acquaintance with Epstein as a "huge mistake," while firmly denying any knowledge of the financier's illegal activities or involvement in them.

Admission of Affairs

Bill Gates confirmed extramarital relationships with two Russian women, including bridge player Mila Antonova.

Apology for Relationship with Epstein

The billionaire described his acquaintance with Jeffrey Epstein as his biggest life mistake and apologized to staff.

Blackmail Attempt

Epstein allegedly threatened to expose Gates's affair with Antonova to extort donations for his own causes.

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and one of the world's richest people, has broken his silence regarding his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. During an emotional meeting with staff of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the billionaire admitted that maintaining a relationship with Epstein was a mistake he deeply regrets. Gates explained that the meetings were intended solely for philanthropic purposes, but he now recognizes they gave Epstein undue credibility. The Foundation became the backdrop for these confessions, as its image has suffered due to the controversy surrounding its founder. A sensational aspect of the statement was the admission of extramarital affairs with two Russian citizens during the period when Gates was still married to Melinda French Gates. One of the women is Mila Antonova, a professional bridge player whom Gates met around 2010. The second partner was said to be a nuclear physicist. According to media reports, Epstein attempted to use knowledge of these relationships to blackmail the billionaire, threatening to expose the infidelity if Gates did not financially support a charity fund managed by the criminal. Jeffrey Epstein was convicted in 2008 for soliciting minors for prostitution. Rearrested in 2019 on charges of human trafficking, he died in custody under circumstances ruled a suicide, sparking a wave of conspiracy theories about his connections with power elites. Despite admitting mistakes in his private and social life, Gates categorically distanced himself from Epstein's criminal activities. He assured staff that he never participated in illegal meetings on the financier's private island nor saw anything that would raise suspicions of sexual crimes. A spokesperson for the billionaire emphasized that Gates "spoke honestly" and is taking full responsibility for his actions, striving to clear the atmosphere within the organization and regain public trust. „It was a huge mistake to spend time with Epstein. I am sorry for the pain this has caused foundation staff and my loved ones.” — Bill Gates

Mentioned People

  • Bill Gates — Co-founder of Microsoft and philanthropist who admitted to affairs and erroneous social decisions.
  • Jeffrey Epstein — American financier and sex offender whose acquaintance with elites caused a scandal.
  • Mila Antonova — Russian bridge player with whom Bill Gates allegedly had an affair around 2010.