Nigeria, Feb. 6 -- Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has said he regretted 'every minute' he spent with Jeffrey Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.

In an interview with Nine News Australia on Monday, Mr Gates described himself as "foolish" for spending time with the deceased financier.

Mr Gates was one of several prominent persons whose names were mentioned in the recently released files in connection with Mr Epstein.

The New York Times reported that, in one of the emails Mr Epstein wrote to himself, the late sex offender suggested that Mr Gates was having an extramarital affair and seeking illicit drugs.

The email dated 18 July 2013, stated that Mr Epstein decided to resign from his roles with the Gates Foundation and BG3 because...