Bill Gates has a stunning ability to somehow make any story sound appealing. Whether it be why the rise of Communist China is actually a good thing, or that bug burgers are totally delicious and not at all vomit-inducing, the man can sell a narrative.

One area he's not so smooth on, however, is his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. He always seems to flounder juuust a bit when interviews veer to this topic. I guess I'd get nervous too if I had proven ties to a millionaire pedophile notorious for controlling elites with sexual blackmail. Which is exactly why I make a point not to socialize with millionaire pedophiles notorious for controlling elites with sexual blackmail. That's on my "deal-breakers" list.

Today, Gates gave a very awkward interview with Australia’s ABC 7.30. Not only did host Sarah Ferguson bring up Epstein, she even dragged Gates' ex-wife into it. This guy can't catch a break.

Ferguson asked, "One of the issues that's dogged you is that of your relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Do you regret the relationship that you maintained with him against Melinda's advice and wishes?"

Gates attempted to downplay his connections to Epstein, saying he "shouldn't have had those dinners with him."

Then Ferguson went for the zinger, asking, "Epstein had a way of sexually compromising people, is that what Melinda was warning you about?"

Gates denied this, claiming he "had dinner with him and that's all." He also denied any relationship between his foundation and Jeffrey Epstein.

The creepy billionaire doth protest too much, methinks. And, his defense isn't even true. The New York Times reported that Gates met with Epstein many times, and those meetings didn't seem to be "just dinners."

An investigation from the Times found Gates met Epstein several times at his Manhattan townhouse and mansion. Epstein also spoke with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and JPMorgan Chase about a proposed multibillion-dollar charitable fund. Oh, and by the time they first met, Epstein was already a registered sex offender and had served jail time for soliciting prostitution from a minor.

But yeah, it was definitely just a few dinners. Nothing to see here. Carry on and eat the bugs.