The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation says it is reassessing any previous contact with Jeffrey Epstein after newly released files linked to the convicted sex offender gained attention.
Founded in 2000 by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Melinda Gates, the organisation focuses on tackling “poverty, disease, and inequity around the world” and is widely reported to be among the wealthiest charitable foundations globally.
This week, the foundation’s CEO Mark Suzman reportedly informed staff that he has ordered an independent, outside review into any historical dealings the charity may have had with Epstein. The move follows the release of U.S. Department of Justice documents in which Gates is also referenced.
Gates has denied any wrongdoing.
The organisation addressed the situation in a public statement, saying:
“The Gates Foundation is aware of emails recently released by the U.S. Department of Justice that include communication between Jeffrey Epstein and Gates Foundation staff. We will continue to review materials released in connection with this matter.
“On the basis of Epstein’s claims that he could mobilize significant philanthropic resources for global health and development, a small number of foundation employees interacted with Epstein to try to secure this potential funding.
“Ultimately, the foundation did not pursue any collaboration with Epstein and no fund was ever created. At no time were financial payments made by the foundation to Epstein, nor was he employed by the foundation at any time.”
The statement also described Epstein’s offences as “horrific” and said the foundation considers the “safety and wellbeing of women and girls” a central priority.
“The foundation regrets having any employees interact with Epstein in any way,” the statement concluded.
Gates has previously been known to have had contact with Epstein before Epstein’s death in 2019.
In the newly circulated material, allegations were made that Gates had affairs with Russian models and contracted an STI.
After the claims emerged, Gates acknowledged having had affairs with two Russian women, while maintaining he had no involvement in any of Epstein’s criminal conduct.
“I did nothing illicit,” Gates said. “I saw nothing illicit.”
He added: “I did have affairs, one with a Russian bridge player who met me at bridge events, and one with a Russian nuclear physicist who I met through business activities.
“To be clear I never spent any time with victims, the women around him,” Gates said. “It was a huge mistake to spend time with Epstein.”
Gates is expected to testify before Congress on June 10 as part of lawmakers’ ongoing inquiries related to Epstein.