Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates admitted during a private town hall meeting with Gates Foundation staff on February 24, 2026, that he had two extramarital affairs with Russian women while married to ex-wife Melinda French Gates, describing the relationships as personal mistakes but insisting they did not involve victims of Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking network.

Gates, 70, expressed deep regret over his association with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, calling the meetings a “huge mistake” that negatively impacted the foundation’s reputation and work. He apologized to employees for drawing them into scrutiny and reaffirmed that he “did nothing illicit” and “saw nothing illicit” during his interactions with Epstein.

“I did have affairs, one with a Russian bridge player who met me at bridge events, and one with a Russian nuclear physicist who I met through business activities,” Gates said, according to a recording reviewed by The Wall Street Journal and corroborated by multiple outlets including Reuters, AFP, and Forbes. He emphasized that Epstein later learned of the relationships but maintained the women were not connected to Epstein’s alleged abuse of underage girls.

The admissions came amid renewed attention following recent document releases by the U.S. Department of Justice related to Epstein’s case. Draft emails from Epstein in 2013 alleged Gates engaged in extramarital affairs and referenced other unsubstantiated claims, which Gates’ representatives have repeatedly called “absolutely absurd and completely false,” attributing them to Epstein’s attempts at leverage or extortion.

Gates told staff he met Epstein several times primarily to discuss philanthropy, never stayed overnight at Epstein’s properties, never visited his private island, and never spent time with Epstein’s victims. He described regretting every minute spent with Epstein and bringing foundation executives to some meetings.

A Gates Foundation spokesperson confirmed in a statement to Reuters on February 24 that Gates “took responsibility for his actions” during the town hall and addressed the Epstein ties directly. The spokesperson declined further comment beyond the apology and regret expressed.

The revelations follow Gates’ 2021 divorce from Melinda French Gates, who cited his Epstein meetings among factors contributing to the marriage’s breakdown. Melinda had warned Bill against continued contact as early as 2013, according to prior reports. Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

Gates has long maintained his Epstein interactions were limited to fundraising discussions for global health initiatives. He previously described the association as a “huge mistake” in interviews but had not publicly detailed the personal affairs until the town hall. The admissions align with 2023 reports that Epstein attempted to extort Gates over an alleged affair with a Russian bridge player, Mila Antonova, whom Gates met in 2010.

No criminal charges have been filed against Gates related to Epstein, and he has not been accused of participating in Epstein’s crimes. The U.S. Department of Justice documents released in early 2026, including photos with redacted faces and draft emails, renewed public speculation but contained no new evidence implicating Gates in wrongdoing.

Reactions to the town hall comments were swift. Philanthropy observers noted the foundation’s need to protect its mission-focused reputation amid donor scrutiny. Some critics questioned the timing of the disclosures, while supporters viewed Gates’ candor as accountability. The Gates Foundation, focused on global health, poverty reduction, and education, continues operations unaffected, with billions committed to initiatives like vaccine development and climate efforts.

Gates has stepped back from day-to-day Microsoft involvement since 2020 but remains one of the world’s wealthiest individuals and most influential philanthropists. His foundation has distributed hundreds of billions in grants since its inception.

The latest statements underscore Gates’ efforts to address lingering Epstein-related questions head-on while separating personal failings from any criminal conduct. As the foundation navigates its post-divorce structure and Gates continues public appearances, the admissions may close one chapter of scrutiny but highlight the lasting impact of his Epstein association.

British luxury automaker Aston Martin said on Wednesday that it will cut up to 20% of its workforce as tariff and regulatory headwinds along with a challenging market backdrop weigh on the business.

The company said the cuts will result in an annualized savings of about 40 million pounds ($54 million), most of which will occur this year. The company employs about 3,000 workers.

Aston Martin didn’t specify when the cuts would occur this year, and they include the 5% workforce reduction the company announced last year.

The company also announced that it would trim its five-year capital spending plan to 1.7 billion pounds from 2 billion pounds by delaying investment in electric vehicle technology.

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Aston Martin announced plans to cut up to 20% of its workforce in a cost-cutting push. (Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Best known as the car brand driven by James Bond, the company has struggled to generate cash and manage its debt of 1.38 billion pounds.

Aston Martin has received injections of capital from Canadian billionaire and Chairman Lawrence Stroll and through deals.

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Aston Martin said that tariffs have been particularly disruptive to the auto industry. (Martyn Lucy/Getty Images)

The company said U.S. tariffs had been “extremely disruptive” and demand had also been “extremely subdued” in China, the world’s biggest auto market.

Aston Martin said it expected further cash outflows in 2026, but also predicted “material improvement” in its financial performance.

It has a target for gross margins in the high 30% range and adjusted earnings before interest and taxes near breakeven, helped by around 500 deliveries of its new Valhalla hybrid supercar.

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Aston Martin is working to improve its financial performance. (John Keeble/Getty Images)

The company made an operating loss of 259.2 million pounds in 2025.

As part of its efforts to improve its finances, it struck a 50-million-pound deal to sell the perpetual branding rights to its Formula One team last week.

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Reuters contributed to this report.

In recent years, mental health care has undergone a significant transformation. Advances in technology, combined with changing lifestyles and increased awareness of psychological wellbeing, have made online therapy not only acceptable but often preferable.

One of the most promising developments within this field is the digital delivery of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). Psylaris is at the forefront of this innovation, offering accessible, secure and effective therapeutic solutions that respond to the needs of today’s clients.

Understanding EMDR Therapy

EMDR is a well-established, evidence-based therapy primarily used to help individuals process traumatic or distressing experiences. Traditionally delivered in a face-to-face setting, EMDR works by helping the brain reprocess memories that have become “stuck”, reducing their emotional intensity over time. It has been widely recognised for its effectiveness in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, phobias and other trauma-related conditions.

While the core principles of EMDR remain unchanged, the way it is delivered has evolved. Through carefully designed digital platforms, it is now possible to offer remote EMDR without compromising clinical quality or safety.

The Rise of Remote Therapy

Remote therapy has grown rapidly, driven by the need for flexibility, privacy and accessibility. For many people, attending in-person sessions can be challenging due to work schedules, mobility issues, geographical distance or personal circumstances. Online therapy removes many of these barriers, allowing clients to engage in treatment from the comfort of their own homes.

Psylaris recognises that convenience should never come at the expense of therapeutic effectiveness. By combining clinical expertise with advanced digital tools, the organisation ensures that clients receive high-quality care regardless of location.

How Psylaris Delivers Remote EMDR

Psylaris has developed a secure and user-friendly environment specifically designed for digital mental health care. Remote EMDR sessions are conducted by trained professionals who guide clients through the therapeutic process using video communication and specialised online tools for bilateral stimulation.

These sessions closely mirror traditional EMDR therapy, while also offering unique advantages. Clients often report feeling more relaxed in familiar surroundings, which can support emotional openness and engagement. Therapists are able to tailor sessions to individual needs, maintaining the same ethical standards, confidentiality and professional oversight expected in face-to-face therapy.

Benefits for Clients and Professionals

The benefits of online EMDR extend beyond convenience. Clients gain greater control over their therapy journey, with increased flexibility in scheduling and reduced travel-related stress. This can lead to higher consistency in attendance and, ultimately, better therapeutic outcomes.

For professionals, digital delivery allows for more efficient practice management and the ability to reach clients who might otherwise have limited access to specialised trauma care. Psylaris supports practitioners with reliable technology, ongoing innovation and a strong commitment to clinical excellence.

A Future-Focused Vision for Mental Health

Mental health care continues to evolve, and digital solutions will play an increasingly important role in shaping its future. Psylaris is committed to responsible innovation, ensuring that new approaches are grounded in scientific research and ethical practice. By embracing technology while preserving the human connection at the heart of therapy, Psylaris offers a balanced and forward-thinking model of care.

Conclusion: Accessible, Effective and Human-Centred Care

Remote therapy is no longer a temporary solution; it is a permanent and valuable part of modern mental health care. With its focus on quality, accessibility and innovation, Psylaris demonstrates how remote EMDR can be delivered safely and effectively. For individuals seeking support, and for professionals looking to expand their practice, Psylaris represents a trusted partner in the ongoing journey towards psychological wellbeing.

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon issued a warning that some of the conditions in financial markets are reminding him of the years leading up to the 2008 financial crisis.

“Unfortunately, we did see this in ’05, ’06, ’07, almost the same thing,” Dimon said Monday in remarks at JPMorgan Chase’s annual investor day. “The rising tide was lifting all boats, everyone was making a lot of money, people leveraging to the hilt. The sky was the limit.”

“I think today, the rising tide is lifting all boats. My own view is people are getting a little comfortable that this is real – these high asset prices and high volumes and that we don’t have any kind of problem whatsoever,” he added.

“I don’t know how long it’s going to be great for everybody. I see a couple of people doing some dumb things. They’re just doing dumb things to create [net interest income],” Dimon added without referencing any specific institutions, while noting that JPMorgan Chase is being “quite cautious” and that the firms will “stick to our own rules.”

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JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon warned that there could be risks building in financial markets. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

He went on to say that the biggest competitors to the nation’s largest bank are back, including rivals from Europe and Japan. He said that’s “good for the world” but cautioned that “I just don’t know how long it’s going to be great for everybody.”

Dimon said that there is “always a surprise in a credit cycle” and that certain sectors may appear more stable than they actually are in the lead up to the emergence of a crisis.

“This time around, it might be software, because of AI,” Dimon said. “There’s moving tectonic plates underneath it, it causes the industry to be challenged.”

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“There will be a cycle one day. I don’t know what confluence of events will cause that cycle. My anxiety is high over it. I’m not assuaged by the fact that asset prices are high. In fact, I think that adds to the risk,” he said.

Last fall, Dimon issued a similar warning about credit markets as JPMorgan Chase took a $170 million write-off following the bankruptcy of subprime auto lender and dealership Tricolor.

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Dimon warned last fall about possible issues in credit markets. (Jeenah Moon/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

He also noted that the bankruptcy of auto parts maker First Brands suggested there could be some credit problems looming in the economy.

“When you see one cockroach, there are probably more, and so everyone should be forewarned of this one,” Dimon said at the time. “First Brands, I’d put in the same category, and there are a couple of other ones out that I’ve seen put in similar categories. We always look at these things, and we’re not omnipotent – we make mistakes too.”

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“We’ve had a credit bull market now for the better part of since 2010,” he added. “These are early signs there might be some excess out there because of it. If we ever have a downturn, you’re going to see quite a few more credit issues.”