Bill Gates addressed staff members of the Gates Foundation regarding his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to multiple reports and foundation confirmation.

During the staff meeting, Gates apologized for his ties to Epstein and characterized the relationship as a mistake. A foundation spokesperson confirmed that Gates "took responsibility for his actions" during the discussion with employees.

According to reporting by the Wall Street Journal, Gates also acknowledged having two extramarital affairs during the meeting. Gates reportedly told staff that he "did nothing illicit" and "saw nothing illicit" in relation to his interactions with Epstein.

The foundation spokesperson verified that the meeting took place but did not provide additional details about the specific content of Gates' remarks to staff members.

Gates' association with Epstein has been a subject of scrutiny since Epstein's 2019 arrest on federal sex trafficking charges. Epstein died in federal custody while awaiting trial. Gates and his then-wife Melinda announced their divorce in May 2021, with reports at the time citing Gates' relationship with Epstein as a factor in their separation.

The Gates Foundation, one of the world's largest private charitable organizations, focuses on global health, development, and education initiatives.