An external review commissioned by the Gates Foundation has found that Bill Gates and foundation staff met with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein approximately 30 times between 2011 and 2014. The review, conducted by law firm WilmerHale, identified meetings involving Gates and other foundation leaders, including several at Epstein’s New York mansion, where federal prosecutors alleged he abused underage women. Epstein died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Core Findings of the Review
The review, released on July 21, determined that Gates was aware of Epstein’s 2008 conviction for procuring a minor for prostitution. Foundation staff raised concerns about associating with Epstein due to his criminal history, but meetings continued. The primary focus of these discussions was Epstein’s proposal to establish a donor-advised fund for global health initiatives. Gates and foundation staff ultimately ended the collaboration in late 2014 after concluding that Epstein had misrepresented potential donors’ commitments.
No Evidence of Illegal Conduct
WilmerHale found no evidence that the Gates Foundation participated in or knew of Epstein’s ongoing sex trafficking operations. The review also found no evidence that the foundation paid Epstein or that he used the foundation’s name to advance his criminal activities. The investigation involved more than 50 interviews with current and former foundation employees, including Gates.
Gates’ Response
Gates has repeatedly expressed regret for his association with Epstein, which his ex-wife Melinda French Gates cited as a factor in their divorce. In a February town hall, Gates stated that the relationship ended after he realized the proposed fund would not materialize. The review was launched to address concerns about the foundation’s past ties to Epstein.