Bill Gates has been asked about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein in a new interview.
The Microsoft co-founder was being quizzed on PBS Newshour about the coronavirus pandemic and a whole host of other topics.
However, host Judy Woodruff then questioned Gates about his dealings with the disgraced billionaire and convicted sex offender.
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Epstein maintained relationships with high-profile people all over the world, including British royalty and country leaders.
Bill Gates was asked to reflect on his dealings with Epstein and his response has been described by commentators as 'flustered' and 'squirmed'.
"You know, I had dinners with him... I regret doing that," he said. "He had relationships with people he said would give to global health, which is an interest I have. Not nearly enough philanthropy goes in that direction.
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"Those meetings were a mistake. They didn't result in what he purported. And I cut them off. That goes back a long time ago now. There's - so there's nothing new on that."
Gates was then asked what his thoughts were when news broke about the numerous sexual assault allegations levelled against Epstein.
"Well, I have said I regretted having those dinners. And there's nothing, absolutely nothing new on that," he said
Just when you thought the interview couldn't get more awkward, PBS host Judy Woodruff kept pushing.
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She then asked Bill Gates whether he believed there were any lessons that could be made from this whole experience of being linked to Epstein.
The philanthropist replied: "Well, he's dead. So, in general, you always have to be careful.
"And the - I'm very proud of what we have done in philanthropy, very proud of the work of the foundation. That's what I get up every day and focus on."
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Epstein died in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Facility in New York, on 10 August 2019. His death was ruled as suicide by hanging by the New York medical examiner.
He had been arrested on 6 July on federal charges for the sex trafficking of minors in Florida and New York, and the case was still pending at the time of his death.
Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to procuring an underage girl for prostitution and of soliciting a prostitute in Florida. Despite federal officials having evidence from 36 girls, some as young as 14 years old, after less than 13 months in jail he was released for a year of probation on house arrest, until August 2010.
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