Gates expressed his regret over the time spent with Epstein and denied allegations that emerged from recently released drafts of emails published by the U.S. Department of Justice. "I regret every minute spent with him," he said in an interview with the Australian channel 9News that aired on Wednesday.
After nearly 3 million pages of documents related to the Epstein case were released last week, drafts surfaced containing accusations against Gates.
"Jeffrey wrote a letter to himself that was never sent. It is false," Gates stated, adding, "I don't understand what he meant. Was he trying to compromise me in some way?"
In one draft written in 2013, Epstein claimed that Gates was involved in extramarital affairs, stating that his relationship with Gates allegedly ranged from helping obtain medication to supporting his secret meetings with married women.
"In the end, you beg me to delete emails regarding your venereal disease and requests for antibiotics that you can pass to Melinda," the letter stated.
A representative for Gates noted that the documents only highlight "Epstein's frustration over the lack of close relationships with Gates and the lengths he was willing to go to tarnish him."
Melinda French Gates, in an interview with NPR set to air on Thursday, said that the documents she saw reminded her of "very painful moments in her marriage" to Gates, from whom she divorced in 2021.
"I can't know all the details — those are questions for people and for my ex-husband. They should answer them, not me," she added.
Previously, French Gates mentioned that her ex-husband's connection with Epstein played a role in her decision to end the marriage.
Gates recounted that he first met Epstein in 2011, three years after Epstein was convicted of soliciting a minor for prostitution in Florida, and attended dinners with him for three years. He also noted that he had never been to Epstein's private island and denies any sexual relations.
"The main thing was that he had connections with many wealthy people and claimed he could help raise money for global health. Now, looking back, I realize that it was a dead end," Gates concluded. "I was foolish to spend time with him. I am one of those who regrets ever knowing him."
Epstein is believed to have taken his own life in a New York prison in 2019 while under investigation for charges of sex trafficking.
The appearance of Gates in Epstein's documents does not indicate any wrongdoing, and none of the high-profile individuals mentioned in the materials have been charged. All deny any involvement in Epstein's sexual abuse.
