News Summary

• Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates says he should not be seen as tainted by past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
• The billionaire addressed his links with the late financier as a source of reputational baggage in an interview with Axios on Thursday.
• Gates has denied involvement in Epstein’s criminal activity and told Congress that the infamous pedophile later attempted to blackmail him over extramarital affairs.
• The tech mogul called his dealings with Epstein a “huge mistake,” insisting they were limited and motivated by an attempt to raise money for philanthropic projects.