Bill Gates downplayed his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, New York Times reports

An investigation including interviews, emails and photographs shows the relationship between the Microsoft founder and Epstein after the latter had become a registered sex offender.

Bill Gates has minimized his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. But a New York Times investigation shows that Gates and Epstein repeatedly spent time together after Epstein was a convicted sex offender.

Beginning in 2011, Gates and Epstein met repeatedly, including at least 3 times at Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse, according to interviews with more than a dozen people familiar with the relationship, as well as emails, photographs and other documents

After one late-night meeting with Epstein, @BillGates emailed colleagues: “His lifestyle is very different and kind of intriguing although it would not work for me.” Here’s his spokeswoman’s explanation of what he meant.

Epstein also spoke with the Gates Foundation and JPMorgan on a proposed multibillion-dollar charitable fund, which had the potential to generate enormous fees for Epstein. A spokeswoman said Gates and the foundation were unaware of Epstein seeking fees.