Bill Gates apologizes for contacts with Epstein and affairs with Russian women

American billionaire and Microsoft founder Bill Gates has apologized to employees of his foundation for his ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, acknowledging that he had extramarital affairs, including with Russian women, The Wall Street Journal reports.

According to the publication, Gates apologized to staff at the Gates Foundation for his contacts with Epstein, admitting to mistakes that cast a shadow over the philanthropic organization, while insisting that he had no involvement in Epstein’s crimes.

Gates also acknowledged having had two romantic relationships with Russian women.

“I did nothing illegal… it was a major mistake to spend time with Epstein… I had affairs with a Russian bridge player and a Russian nuclear physicist,” the newspaper quoted Gates as saying.