In a new interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper on Wednesday night, Bill Gates called it a “huge mistake” to meet with convicted child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
Citing a New York Times report on French Gates’ alleged concerns over Gates’ relationship with Epstein, Cooper asked Gates to explain the relationship with Epstein, who at the time he met Gates in 2011 had already been convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor.
“I had several dinners with him, hoping that what he said about getting billions of philanthropy for global health through contacts that he had might emerge,” Gates said. “When it looked like that wasn’t a real thing, that relationship ended.
“It was a huge mistake to spend time with him, to give him the credibility of being there,” Gates added. That stance is in line with what the billionaire philanthropist has said previously about the relationship.
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The Microsoft co-founder and Melinda French Gates announced in May that they were ending their marriage after 27 years. The divorce was finalized on Monday, Cooper stated in the interview.
Epstein was accused of operating a sex trafficking ring in which he sexually abused dozens of underage girls. He was found dead in a New York City jail cell in August 2019.
Cooper also asked Gates if he has regrets about his actions in the workplace at Microsoft, as it relates to reports of relationships with co-workers, one of which was confirmed by a Gates spokesperson to have happened 20 years ago.
“Well certainly I think everyone does,” Gates said. “It’s a time of reflection and at this point I need to go forward. My work is very important to me. Within the family we’ll heal as best we can and learn from what’s happened.”
