An external review commissioned by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has revealed that there were approximately 30 meetings between Jeffrey Epstein and foundation leaders and staff, including Bill Gates, between 2011 and 2014. The review, conducted by the law firm WilmerHale, found that foundation staff repeatedly raised concerns about the risks of associating with Epstein due to his prior conviction for solicitation of prostitution with a minor.
Background of the Review
The Gates Foundation initiated the review in March 2023 following the release of millions of documents related to Epstein by the Justice Department. These documents included numerous references to Gates, multiple photographs of him, and records showing several meetings with Epstein. The foundation acknowledged earlier this year that it had emails between Epstein and foundation staff and expressed regret over any interactions. WilmerHale was retained to conduct a thorough examination of past engagements with Epstein.
Key Findings of the Report
The report, released on Tuesday, took about five months and was based on over 50 interviews with current and former foundation personnel, including Gates, and extensive review of written materials. WilmerHale found no evidence that the foundation participated in or had knowledge of Epstein's sex trafficking operations or criminal activities. Additionally, there was no evidence that the foundation was aware that Epstein used its name to advance his conduct, nor that Epstein was paid by the foundation.
Bill Gates has not been accused of any wrongdoing related to Epstein and has repeatedly denied knowledge of Epstein's crimes. In a June testimony before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, Gates stated he never witnessed or had any indication that Epstein was engaged in ongoing criminal conduct. He publicly expressed regret over his association with Epstein and apologized to foundation employees during a February town-hall meeting.
Details of Interactions
According to the report, Epstein was introduced to Gates and other foundation personnel in 2011 by an adviser who held dual roles at the foundation and in Gates's personal office. The interactions focused on two matters: discussions about creating a donor-advised fund entity and Gates's engagement with a nonprofit organization that later became a foundation grantee. The meetings included one on the foundation's campus and several at Epstein's Manhattan residence.
The review noted that Gates was aware of reputational concerns related to Epstein's prior conviction when he began conversations in 2011. Foundation staff raised concerns about the risks of associating with Epstein multiple times, and those concerns were escalated to senior leadership, including Gates.
Recommendations and Response
In response to the findings, the Gates Foundation's governing board approved a series of recommendations, including creating a centralized vetting process for brokers, donor advisers, and co-funders, and establishing an escalation process for organizational risks. Gates stated that completing the review is an important step in providing clarity and strengthening oversight, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to trust and transparency.
