Bill Gates Denies 'Absurd' Epstein Allegations After Latest Files Release

The billionaire says he never went to Epstein's island or met any women through the financier, as new documents allege unverified claims about their relationship.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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The latest release of the Epstein files provides new insights into the relationship between Bill Gates and the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, including scandalous but unverified claims that Gates refuted on Wednesday. The documents include communications about their professional relationship, but Epstein also made allegations about Gates' personal conduct that the billionaire called "absolutely absurd and completely false." Gates acknowledged his relationship with Epstein was a "mistake" but denied any wrongdoing, saying he only met Epstein for dinners and never went to his island or met any women through him.

Why it matters

The revelations about Gates' ties to Epstein have dogged the billionaire for years and reportedly wreaked havoc on his marriage, leading to his divorce from Melinda French Gates. The latest files raise further questions about the nature of their relationship and the extent of Gates' involvement with Epstein, who was convicted of sex trafficking minors.

The details

The Justice Department released millions of Epstein files on Friday, including hundreds of emails, text messages and other documents referencing Gates. The files show Epstein and Gates met regularly between 2011 and 2014, with the pair discussing a plan for a charitable fund that ultimately never materialized. However, Epstein also made a number of unverified allegations against Gates, including claims of drug use, participation in "illicit trysts" and giving his then-wife Melinda French Gates antibiotics for a sexually transmitted disease. Gates denied these allegations, saying he was only at Epstein's dinners and never went to his island or met any women through him.

  • On July 4, Epstein allegedly dove onto the hood of a Waymo vehicle and covered sensors.
  • On July 29, Epstein allegedly damaged a Waymo's tires and driver's side mirror.
  • On August 11, Epstein allegedly stomped on a windshield while someone was inside.

The players

Bill Gates

The co-founder of Microsoft and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, who had a relationship with Jeffrey Epstein that has dogged him for years.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late financier who was convicted of sex trafficking minors and had connections to numerous powerful figures, including Bill Gates.

Melinda French Gates

The former wife of Bill Gates, who has suggested Epstein's relationship with her ex-husband was a factor in their divorce.

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What they’re saying

“It's factually true that I was only at dinners, you know, I never went to the island. I never met any women. And so, you know, the more that comes out, the more clear it'll be that although the time was a mistake, it had nothing to do with that kind of behavior.”

— Bill Gates (9 News)

“Apparently Jeffrey wrote an email to himself. That email was never sent, the email is you know, false. So I don't know what his thinking was there.”

— Bill Gates (9 News)

“The only thing these documents demonstrate is Epstein's frustration that he did not have an ongoing relationship with Gates and the lengths he would go to entrap and defame.”

— Gates Foundation spokesperson (Forbes)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.