• Bill Gates expresses regret for time spent with Jeffrey Epstein, calling it a "mistake."
• Recent DOJ document release includes unverified claims about Gates' behavior.
• Melinda French Gates comments on painful memories from their marriage.
• Gates denies allegations made in draft emails linked to Epstein.
• He emphasizes they never had an ongoing relationship, citing philanthropy as the main purpose of their meetings.

Bill Gates has publicly expressed regret over "every minute" he spent with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, amidst the release of nearly three million pages of documents by the U.S. Department of Justice. In an interview with 9News Australia, Gates stated, "I was foolish to spend time with him," reaffirming that he never engaged in any inappropriate behavior during their association. Gates emphasized that the focus of their meetings was to discuss philanthropy, particularly connections that could help in global health efforts, according to ABC News, India Times, and Channel News Asia.

The recent document release has stirred discussions around various allegations related to Gates, including unverified claims made in draft emails attributed to Epstein, suggesting involvement in extramarital affairs and illicit activities. Gates categorically rejected these accusations, stating, "That email was never sent. The email is false." He further claimed, "I never went to the island, I never met any women," reiterating that their interactions were limited to dinners between 2011 and 2014, according to ABC News and India Times.

Melinda French Gates, Bill Gates' ex-wife, spoke about the emotional turmoil rekindled by the release of these documents. In an NPR interview, she remarked that the details brought back "memories of some very, very painful times" in their marriage, and stated that any lingering questions about Gates’ relationship with Epstein were for him to address. "They need to answer to those things, not me," she noted, further emphasizing the disturbing nature of the revelations, according to India Times and Channel News Asia.

The spokesperson for Gates has described the allegations found in the released documents as "absolutely absurd and completely false," suggesting that they reflect a continued attempt by Epstein to undermine Gates due to their previously insufficient relationship. The spokesperson reiterated that Epstein sought to "entrap and defame" Gates after their association ended, according to ABC News, India Times, and Channel News Asia.