Bill Gates and employees of the Gates Foundation met with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein approximately 30 times, despite concerns from staff about the reputational risks of such associations. This information comes from an external review commissioned by the Gates Foundation.
The meetings occurred between 2011 and 2014 and included several visits to Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse, as well as one meeting at the Gates Foundation campus. The review, conducted by the law firm WilmerHale, found no evidence that the foundation paid Epstein or engaged in any illegal activities. According to the review’s findings, discussions primarily focused on the establishment of a public health fund, which was never created, and a grant for the International Peace Institute, which was led by an associate of Epstein. The Gates Foundation released a three-page summary of the WilmerHale report on Tuesday but did not specify whether the full report would be made public.
Gates’ connection with Epstein
Bill Gates, who leads the Gates Foundation, has not been implicated in Epstein’s crimes and has consistently denied any knowledge of Epstein’s abuse of girls. Last month, he told a congressional committee that he “made a serious mistake” in meeting with the disgraced financier. Gates’ name appears in a cache of documents released by the Department of Justice as part of an investigation into Epstein. These documents list influential figures from technology, finance, politics, and business, all of whom have denied involvement in Epstein’s crimes.
The connection between Gates and Epstein began after an advisor to the foundation and Gates’ personal office facilitated their introduction, according to the review. Three years earlier, Epstein had pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution. Epstein suggested that Gates establish a charitable investment fund to pool donations from wealthy individuals for global public health initiatives. At Gates’ request, employees discussed the legal aspects and tax benefits for donors with Epstein.
Consequences for Gates’ philanthropic activities
The Gates Foundation released the summary after it was revealed last week that Warren Buffett, a long-time friend of Gates who had directed most of his charitable donations to the Gates Foundation‘s projects, excluded the foundation from his annual donations this year. Buffett explained that this decision was more related to his belief that his three children were ready to manage his fortune, rather than Gates’ questionable connections with Epstein.
Jeffrey Epstein was federally charged in July 2019 with sex trafficking of minors and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors. He died by suicide while awaiting trial.
Source: AP
