Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has publicly expressed regret over his past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein, saying he apologises for “every minute” he spent with the disgraced financier. His comments come amid renewed scrutiny following the release of a fresh tranche of documents by the US Justice Department linked to the Epstein investigation.

The newly released files include emails and correspondence involving several prominent figures connected to Epstein, who died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Among the documents is a draft email attributed to Epstein that makes unverified and explicit allegations about Gates’ personal life, including claims of extramarital affairs and illicit conduct.

Speaking to Australia’s 9News in an interview broadcast on Wednesday, Gates categorically denied the claims outlined in the draft email, stating that it was never sent and was entirely false. “Every minute I spent with him, I regret, and I apologise,” Gates said, adding that he did not understand Epstein’s motives and questioned whether the financier was attempting to defame him.

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A spokesperson for Gates also rejected the allegations, saying the documents reflected Epstein’s frustration over the lack of an ongoing relationship with the billionaire philanthropist. The spokesperson said Epstein went to great lengths to entrap or damage reputations and that the claims should not be taken as evidence of wrongdoing.

The renewed attention has also drawn comments from Melinda French Gates, who divorced Bill Gates in 2021. In an interview with US National Public Radio, she said the document release resurfaced painful memories and added that unresolved questions about Epstein connections should be answered by those directly involved, including her former husband.

Gates has previously acknowledged meeting Epstein in 2011 and having several dinners with him over a period of three years. He has said the interactions were centred on discussions about global health philanthropy and denied visiting Epstein’s private island or engaging in any improper behaviour. While the presence of a name in the Epstein files does not imply guilt, the disclosures have reignited debate over the nature of Epstein’s ties with influential public figures.

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