A new external review commissioned by the Gates Foundation has uncovered that approximately 30 meetings took place between disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and leaders and staff of the foundation, including co-founder Bill Gates, between 2011 and 2014. This occurred despite numerous instances where foundation staff reportedly raised concerns about the risks of associating with Epstein due to his previous conviction.
The review, conducted by the law firm WilmerHale, was initiated in March 2026 following the US Justice Department's release earlier this year of extensive documents related to Epstein. These files included references to Mr. Gates and photographs, prompting renewed scrutiny of his past connections to Epstein. The foundation had previously acknowledged awareness of emails between Epstein and its staff, expressing regret for any employee interactions.
The report's summary, released this week, concluded after approximately five months of investigation, which involved over 50 interviews with current and former foundation personnel, including Mr. Gates. It also reviewed extensive written materials. Crucially, WilmerHale stated it found no evidence of participation in or knowledge of Epstein's sex trafficking operations or other criminal activities by the foundation. Furthermore, the review found no indication that the foundation was aware of Epstein using its name to further his conduct, nor any evidence that Epstein received payments from the foundation.
Mr. Gates, who has not faced accusations of wrongdoing concerning Epstein, has consistently denied any knowledge of Epstein's crimes and has publicly expressed regret over their past association. He reportedly apologised to foundation employees in a February town-hall meeting and testified before the House committee on oversight and reform in June, stating he 'never witnessed nor had any indication' of Epstein's ongoing criminal conduct.
According to Mr. Gates, he was introduced to Epstein in 2011 by trusted associates in his professional and philanthropic circles. Epstein had allegedly claimed he could secure billions of pounds for global health initiatives. Mr. Gates admitted to being aware of Epstein's prior legal issues, referring to his 2008 guilty plea in Florida for soliciting prostitution, including with a minor, but stated he 'did not fully understand the extent of the crimes he committed' and accepted the introduction without sufficient scrutiny. The report suggests Epstein was introduced to Gates and other foundation personnel by an advisor holding dual roles at the foundation and Mr. Gates's personal office. Interactions reportedly ceased in December 2014.