Law and crime news

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

The Gates Foundation looked into its past and found that Bill Gates met with Jeffrey Epstein about 30 times.

In short:

The Gates Foundation met with Jeffrey Epstein about 30 times between 2011 and 2014.

Bill Gates knew about Epstein's past crimes and heard staff concerns.

Bill Gates says the review is important for clarity.

Bill Gates and his staff met with Epstein more than 24 times, despite staff concerns.

The law firm WilmerHale did the investigation, which took five months and included over 50 interviews.

Between 2011 and 2014, about 30 meetings happened between Epstein and 10 foundation staff.

There was no evidence the foundation paid Epstein or did anything illegal.

People are still interested in the 20-year-old case, even though the US President says it's boring.

The review found no evidence of the foundation knowing about Epstein's sex trafficking.

Epstein was convicted of crimes in 2008 and served 13 months in jail.

Bill Gates has not been accused of any crimes and regrets meeting Epstein.

An advisor introduced Gates to Epstein

The foundation worked with Epstein on two main things: a donor fund and a nonprofit.

Epstein was introduced to Gates in 2011 by an advisor to both.

Epstein suggested Gates start a charitable investment fund.

Staff looked into the idea at Gates' request.

There's a photo of Bill Gates and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from Epstein's estate.

In 2014, Epstein hosted a meeting at his home with Gates and potential donors.

But Gates decided Epstein had lied about the donors, and they stopped the project.

Epstein introduced Gates to the head of a nonprofit that got foundation money.

In 2012, Epstein introduced Gates to Terje Rød-Larsen, head of the International Peace Institute.

The Gates Foundation gave money to the International Peace Institute for polio work.

The head of the International Peace Institute resigned in 2020 due to his Epstein ties.

There's a photo of Gates with a pilot from Epstein's estate.

Gates knew about Epstein's past and heard staff concerns during their interactions.

The Gates Foundation will improve its vetting process and risk management.

The foundation's CEO said their work depends on integrity and trust.

Gates' personal dealings with Epstein were not investigated

The Gates Foundation has been under scrutiny for Gates' Epstein ties.

Gates' personal dealings with Epstein were not looked into.

Investigators didn't see Gates' personal communications with Epstein.

Gates says the review is an important step for clarity.

A photo of Gates with an unknown woman was released by the House Oversight Committee.

Gates' name was in documents about the US Department of Justice's Epstein investigation.

The documents included photos of Gates with Epstein and redacted women.

Gates told Congress his meetings with Epstein were about philanthropy but didn't work out.

ABC/AP/Reuters

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