In an interview on Wednesday, Bill Gates talked about his marriage to Melinda, his past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and MicrosoftThe so-called toxic workplace culture. This is Gates' first public appearance since his formal divorce from Melinda this week.
Gates gave the interview mainly to discuss his work in fighting COVID-19, but he first answered questions about his personal relationship.
Gates and his ex-wife Melinda officially divorced on Monday, ending their 27-year marriage. Gates said in an interview that this is "a very sad milestone."
"Melinda is a great person and I feel very sad about the end of our partnership," Gates said. We are communicating and working with the foundation so that we can try and continue to work together. "
"We've always enjoyed working together," Gates said. The two of us can go out and work with leaders from all walks of life to help build the organization, so this is definitely the best thing for the foundation. "
In the interview, Gates also talked about his ex-wife's concerns about his relationship with the late notorious financier Jeffrey Epstein. Gates said he and Epstein had had "several dinners".
"I had dinner with him several times, hoping that what he said about raising billions of dollars in charitable donations for global health through his network might come true," Gates said. When none of this seems to be true, the relationship ends. "
He added: "but spending time with him and giving him credibility is a huge mistake. There are a lot of people in the same situation, but I made a mistake. "
The Microsoft co-founder was also asked about Microsoft's "toxic" culture, with reports that several women working at his company and the Gates Foundation accused him of creating an uncomfortable working environment.
In 2006, Gates reportedly invited a female Microsoft employee to dinner and said, "if it makes you uncomfortable, pretend it never happened." It is also reported that between 2007 and 2008, Gates invited a woman who works for the Gates Foundation to dinner at a cocktail party.
At the end of 2019, Microsoft board members launched an investigation into Gates after an employee said she had had sex with him for many years. A Gates representative admitted, "there was a relationship about 20 years ago, which ended in friendship."
When asked if he had any regrets, Gates said: "well, I think everyone has regrets, but now is the time to reflect, at this time, I need to move forward."
He continued: "my work is very important to me. In the family, we will do our best to heal the pain and learn from what has happened. "