Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has apologized for spending time with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The apology came after the U.S. Department of Justice released a new batch of documents related to Epstein, revealing email communications with several influential figures. Among the documents was a draft email in which Epstein claimed Gates had engaged in an extramarital affair.

In an interview with 9News Australia, Gates said he regretted every minute spent with Epstein and apologized, calling the email false and never sent. A spokesperson for Gates also denied the claims, stating that the newly released files only showed Epstein’s frustration over the end of his contact with Gates and his attempts to entrap and defame him.

Melinda French Gates, who divorced Bill Gates in 2021, told National Public Radio that the documents brought back painful memories from their marriage, adding that some questions still remain.