Epstein’s shadow: Why Bill Gates pulled out of Modi’s AI summit
Bill Gates cancelled his keynote speech at India's AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi just hours before he was scheduled to speak. The Gates Foundation cited the need to keep the focus on the summit's priorities as the reason for his withdrawal.
The story so far
- Feb 19
How outlets cover it
2 outletsNot rated on the left–right scale. It describes Western party politics and doesn’t fit state media or outlets outside that system, so we show ownership and country instead.
Open questions and key claims
Gates said he regrets “every minute” he spent with Jeffrey Epstein.
Guterres warned against leaving AI's future to the ‘whims of a few billionaires’.
Gates withdrew to “ensure the focus remains on the AI Summit’s key priorities”.
India expects to attract more than $200bn in investment in AI over the next two years.
Bill Gates has cancelled his speech at the AI Impact Summit in India.
Melinda Gates said Bill still had questions to answer over his relationship with Epstein.
Who and where
Related stories over time
same people and places- Feb 19◆ This story
- Jun 10 laterBill Gates says Epstein wanted personal relationship, but he 'never reciprocated'7 articles · 5 outlets
- Jul 21 laterBill Gates foundation met with Jeffrey Epstein about 30 times, external review finds3 articles · 3 outlets