Bill Gates has publicly identified three women with whom he had extramarital relationships as part of a congressional inquiry examining Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged efforts to gain leverage over the Microsoft co-founder.
Admitted to a past relationship
During a closed-door appearance before the House Oversight Committee on June 10, Gates was questioned and grilled about emails suggesting Epstein was aware of several affairs and may have considered using that information against him.
Among the women Gates acknowledged having relationships with were Russian bridge player Mila Antonova and nuclear scientist Karima Nigmatulina.
Gates also admitted to a past relationship with medical entrepreneur Dr. Alice Jacobs Nesselrodt, which took place before his association with Epstein began.
The revelations come years after Gates and Melinda French Gates ended their 27-year marriage. The couple, who wed on New Year’s Day in 1994, finalized their divorce in 2021.
Melinda later indicated that a combination of issues, including Gates’ admitted infidelities, contributed to the breakdown of the marriage. Following their divorce, Melinda spoke candidly about her discomfort with Bill Gates’ ties to Epstein, describing their interactions as deeply troubling.
Acknowledged the affairs
According to testimony reviewed by lawmakers, Epstein appeared to have knowledge of Gates’ relationships with Antonova and Nigmatulina. Gates also confirmed a past affair with Nesselrodt after investigators showed him a 2013 email Epstein had sent to himself referencing the pair.
“Well, there was a time when I had an affair with Dr Jacobs [Nesselrodt]. So that may fit that category,” Gates said after reviewing the message.
Nesselrodt’s identity had reportedly been redacted from previously released Justice Department documents connected to the Epstein investigation.
While Gates acknowledged the affairs, he pushed back on the notion that Epstein successfully used the information against him.
”I was not blackmailed, but, you know, as you look at these emails, you know, it looks like Mr Epstein’s brainstorming was going in that direction,” Gates told the committee.
Disputed several claims
The billionaire also disputed several claims contained in documents released as part of the Epstein files. Among them was an allegation that Gates contacted Epstein regarding a STD after encounters with ”Russian girls.” Gates denied that accusation and testified that he never discussed Epstein with any of the three women.
Throughout the interview, the philanthropist maintained that he had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal conduct and emphasized that he was never involved in any wrongdoing connected to the disgraced financier. He also reiterated a sentiment he has expressed before: that he regrets ever having a relationship with Epstein.
Earlier this month, Gates reportedly addressed the controversy during a Microsoft town hall meeting, telling employees, ”I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit,” according to a recording reviewed by The Wall Street Journal.
He continued: ”To be clear I never spent any time with victims, the women around him. It was a huge mistake to spend time with Epstein and bring Gates Foundation executives into meetings with the sex offender.”
”I apologize to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made.”
Gates has not been accused of any wrongdoing related to Epstein’s crimes and has consistently denied having any knowledge of the sex offender’s illegal activities.
READ MORE
- Ransom note provides devastating update in Nancy Guthrie case
- Donald Trump’s niece Mary reveals what ‘terrifies’ him most
