Bill Gates has again addressed his past association with Jeffrey Epstein, telling CNN’s Anderson Cooper that he was unaware Epstein may have considered blackmailing him and reiterating that spending time with the disgraced financier was a serious error in judgment.
Gates appeared on Anderson Cooper 360 on Wednesday primarily to discuss concerns surrounding artificial intelligence, but the interview turned to his relationship with Epstein. Cooper raised a series of graphic, unverified allegations contained in draft emails reportedly written by Epstein in 2013, asking Gates whether he believed Epstein had been attempting to blackmail him.
Gates says Epstein never successfully blackmailed him
Gates said he did not know Epstein was considering such an effort and stressed that Epstein never successfully blackmailed him. He said the episode instead underscored how “foolish” he had been to spend time with Epstein.
The Microsoft co-founder also addressed his June appearance before the House Oversight Committee, saying he welcomed the opportunity to answer lawmakers’ questions about the relationship. Gates said he reviewed his meetings and emails in detail and maintained that he did not have a social relationship with Epstein or meet women through him.
Gates said his interest in Epstein stemmed from what he now describes as a misguided belief that the financier’s connections to wealthy individuals could help generate funding for global health initiatives. He called that judgment a “gigantic mistake” and apologized for giving Epstein credibility.
During his congressional testimony, Gates also acknowledged that Epstein had learned sensitive details about his personal life, including marital infidelity. Gates said Epstein later attempted to use that information, along with what Gates characterized as false claims, to pressure him into renewing contact. According to Gates, the effort was unsuccessful.
Gates repeats regret over Epstein association
Gates has repeatedly expressed regret about the relationship. In an earlier interview, he similarly said he had been “foolish” and “quite stupid” to believe that spending time with Epstein could advance his philanthropic work. He said the hoped-for fundraising benefits never materialized.
Gates has also denied visiting Epstein’s private island, ranch or Florida residence and said he never witnessed abuse during their interactions.
His latest comments reflect a continued effort to distinguish his acknowledged association with Epstein from the more serious allegations surrounding the late financier, while accepting responsibility for the decision to maintain contact with him.
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