Bill Gates acknowledges ‘huge mistake’ amid Epstein row
(International 26 Feb – exclusive story by Navneet Bansal, Newsroom 7) Gates acknowledged having had two relationships with Russian women and recognized that he made mistakes that have overshadowed the philanthropic organization, while he maintained that he did not take part in Epstein’s criminal activities, as per an exclusive report by The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, February 25. Gates admitted, “It was a huge mistake to spend time with Epstein,” and to involve Gates Foundation executives in meetings with the convicted sex offender.
“I apologise to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made,” Gates was quoted as saying by The Wall Street Journal. The philanthropist mentioned that he had encountered Epstein in 2011, which occurred three years after the sex offender’s guilty plea in 2008 for soliciting a minor for prostitution. According to Gates, he did not “properly check” Epstein’s background, despite being aware of an “18 Month thing” that had curtailed Epstein’s travel. He also noted that he continued his meetings with Epstein even after his then-wife, Melinda French Gates, raised concerns in 2013.
