An external review commissioned by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has found that foundation leaders and staff, including Bill Gates, met with Jeffrey Epstein roughly 30 times between 2011 and 2014. The review, conducted by law firm WilmerHale, was released in summary form on Tuesday and came after the US Department of Justice released millions of documents related to Epstein earlier this year.
The report noted that foundation staff had raised concerns about associating with Epstein because of his prior conviction for soliciting prostitution with a minor. Despite these warnings, meetings continued, including one at the foundation's campus and several at Epstein's Manhattan residence. WilmerHale found no evidence that the foundation participated in or knew of Epstein's sex trafficking operations, nor that it paid Epstein or was aware of him using the foundation's name.
Bill Gates, who has publicly expressed regret over his association with Epstein, testified before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform in June, stating he never witnessed or had any indication of Epstein's criminal conduct. Gates said he was introduced to Epstein in 2011 through trusted professional contacts and that Epstein claimed he could raise billions for global health. Gates acknowledged he did not fully understand the extent of Epstein's crimes at the time.
The review found that Epstein was introduced by an adviser who held dual roles at the foundation and in Gates's personal office. Interactions focused on a potential donor-advised fund entity and a nonprofit that later became a grantee. The foundation has stated it regrets any employee interactions with Epstein and commissioned the review in March 2021.
