James Pollard

An external review revealed that Bill Gates and the Gates Foundation held over two dozen meetings with Jeffrey Epstein between 2011 and 2014 despite staff warnings about reputational risks. The encounters focused on a proposed public health fund and a grant to the International Peace Institute, though the fund never materialized. The review found no evidence of illegal activity or payments to Epstein. Gates acknowledged poor judgment in meeting with Epstein, while the foundation announced steps to strengthen vetting and risk management practices. Epstein’s role in introducing Gates to nonprofit leadership and potential donors is detailed, along with recent scrutiny following Warren Buffett’s decision to redirect his charitable giving. The review did not include Gates’ personal communications or private interactions with Epstein.