Who Is Bill Gates' Affair Partner? Microsoft Founder Confesses Relationships With Bridge Player, Physicist

Bill Gates has publicly admitted he had extramarital relationships with two Russian women, including a bridge player and a nuclear physicist, as part of a broader explanation for his controversial ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

The Microsoft co‑founder's admission came in a foundation town hall meeting and adds new detail to the scrutiny surrounding his personal conduct amid questions about his association with the disgraced financier.

Gates Admits Affairs During Foundation Town Hall

In a highly anticipated Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation employee meeting on 24 February 2026, the 70‑year‑old billionaire acknowledged having had two extramarital affairs with Russian women while married to Melinda French Gates. Gates apologised to staff for his past association with Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender, saying it was a 'huge mistake.'

Gates told employees he had 'affairs, one with a Russian bridge player who met me at bridge events, and one with a Russian nuclear physicist whom I met through business activities,' according to a recording reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. He repeatedly denied that any of his interactions involved Epstein's victims or illicit activity.

Bridge Player and Physicist: Who Were They?

Although Gates did not publicly name the women involved, media and legal reporting have identified one alleged partner as Mila Antonova, a Russian bridge player whom Gates met at competitive bridge events. Epstein documents and news reporting suggest Epstein at times intervened in the relationship, even paying for Antonova's programming training and later seeking repayment.

The second affair partner was described by Gates only as a Russian nuclear physicist met through professional business activities, without further identifying information. There has been no confirmation that her nationality or career details have been independently verified by outlets beyond descriptions given at the town hall.

'No Illicit Activity' But Apology for Epstein Ties

Gates stressed that while he had these affairs, he did 'nothing illicit' and 'saw nothing illicit' in his meetings with Epstein or in the affair circumstances. He denied ever spending time with Epstein's known victims, or participating in any of Epstein's criminal behaviour.

The billionaire said his association with Epstein began in 2011, several years after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor, and continued until around 2014. He said he was aware of Epstein's restrictions following his conviction but did not properly vet his background at the time.

Gates also clarified that Epstein never worked for the foundation nor received payments from it, and insisted that the presence of other reputable figures in Epstein's circle made his involvement seem more acceptable at the time.

Epstein File Releases Spark Renewed Scrutiny

The admissions arrive amid the United States Department of Justice's release of files connected to Epstein's investigations, containing emails, photographs and internal correspondence involving high‑profile individuals including Gates. Some draft emails included allegations that Gates had contracted a sexually transmitted infection and sought treatment, claims which Gates' representatives have strongly denied.

The newly released files also show redacted images of Gates with unidentified women, which Gates said were photos taken at Epstein's request with his assistants after meetings.

Impact on Foundation and Public Perception

A Gates Foundation spokesperson said Gates addressed staff candidly, took responsibility for his actions, and responded to employee questions on a range of issues including artificial intelligence and global health work. While the revelations relate to his personal life, the disclosures are likely to affect public perception of Gates' leadership and philanthropic credibility.