Bill Gates recently addressed staff at the Gates Foundation, taking responsibility for what he called a "huge mistake" in associating with Jeffrey Epstein. According to reports, Gates admitted to having two affairs with Russian women—which Epstein later discovered—but adamantly denied any illicit behavior or knowledge of Epstein’s sex trafficking crimes. While Gates claimed his meetings were intended to discuss philanthropic fundraising, he acknowledged ignoring his ex-wife Melinda’s skepticism and failing to properly vet Epstein’s background. Despite being featured in recently released Department of Justice files, Gates maintains he never visited Epstein’s island or interacted with his victims, while Melinda French Gates has publicly expressed her relief at being distanced from the situation.