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Bill Gates Foundation launches review into links with Jeffrey Epstein
Gates is expected to testify before the US Congress on June 10
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has announced that it is reviewing past interactions involving staff and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein following the release of newly disclosed documents by the US Department of Justice.
The foundation, established in 2000 by Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates, said it has commissioned an external review to examine its historical engagement with Epstein.
The organisation is one of the world’s largest private charitable foundations, focused on global health, poverty reduction, and inequality.
In a statement, the foundation said it was aware of recently released emails that included communications between Epstein and its staff members.
It said it would continue reviewing all materials connected to the matter as they become available.
According to the foundation, a small number of employees had contact with Epstein in the past based on his claims that he could help mobilise philanthropic funding for global health initiatives.
However, it stressed that no collaboration was ever established, no funding was received, and Epstein was never employed by the organisation.
The statement also described Epstein’s crimes as “horrific” and reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to safeguarding the safety and wellbeing of women and girls. It added that the organisation regrets any past interactions staff may have had with him.
Gates has previously acknowledged knowing Epstein socially before his death in 2019 but has repeatedly denied any involvement in criminal activity.
He has said that engaging with Epstein was a mistake and maintained that he never witnessed any illegal conduct.
Reports have also referenced claims in newly released materials regarding Gates’ personal relationships, which he has publicly addressed, confirming past affairs but denying any wrongdoing connected to Epstein.
Gates is expected to testify before the US Congress on June 10 as part of ongoing scrutiny into Epstein’s network and associated contacts.
