Bill Gates foundation met with Jeffrey Epstein about 30 times, external review finds

An external review commissioned by the Gates Foundation found that Bill Gates and foundation staff met with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein approximately 30 times between 2011 and 2014. These meetings, which included visits to Epstein's home, focused on a potential public health fund and a grant to the International Peace Institute. The review, conducted by law firm WilmerHale, found no evidence of illegal activity or payments to Epstein by the foundation, though staff had expressed concerns about reputational risk. Gates has stated he made a "grave error in judgment" by meeting with Epstein, who has since died. The foundation has implemented measures to strengthen its vetting processes.

An external review commissioned by the Gates Foundation and conducted by the law firm WilmerHale has found no evidence of wrongdoing related to the organization's interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The review, released Tuesday, examined two instances between 2011 and 2014 where the foundation engaged with Epstein. The first involved a proposed donor-advised fund for global public health, which the foundation did not pursue after Epstein failed to secure commitments from other partners. The second instance involved the International Peace Institute (IPI), to which the Gates Foundation awarded a grant in 2013 after Epstein introduced the foundation's chairman to IPI. The report concluded that the Gates Foundation made no payments or was involved in criminal activities tied to Epstein. In response, the foundation is implementing new safeguards, including a more centralized vetting process for potential donors and partners and expanded conflict of interest policies.

An external review commissioned by the Gates Foundation found approximately 30 meetings between Jeffrey Epstein and foundation leaders and staff, including Bill Gates, between 2011 and 2014. Foundation staff repeatedly raised concerns about associating with Epstein due to his prior conviction. The review, prompted by the release of Epstein-related documents, found no evidence of the foundation's participation in or knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities, nor that Epstein was paid by the foundation. Gates stated he was introduced to Epstein in 2011 and believed Epstein could help raise funds for global health, acknowledging he did not fully understand the extent of Epstein's crimes at the time. The foundation has implemented recommendations based on the review's findings.