Microsoft Co-founder, Philanthropist
Microsoft co-founder who met with Epstein multiple times between 2011-2014, after Epstein's first conviction. Meetings reportedly focused on philanthropy. Gates has expressed regret for the association. His divorce from Melinda Gates was reportedly influenced by revelations about his Epstein meetings.
Explore Interactive Map
See all connections visually
Connections (11)
Gates Foundation has provided funding to MIT. Gates met with Joi Ito regarding Epstein donations.
Gates met with Ito and was aware of Epstein's donations to MIT Media Lab.
Social connection through meetings and events with Epstein, where Maxwell was often present.
Co-founders of Microsoft, worked together for decades on building the company.
Marital discord mentioned in draft messages found in Epstein’s email account, with concerns about impact on their foundation.
Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, had a documented connection with Jeffrey Epstein, primarily through social and professional interactions that began in 2011. Their relationship came under scrutiny after Epstein's arrest in 2019 for sex trafficking. Gates has publicly acknowledged meeting Epstein multiple times, stating the meetings were focused on philanthropy, particularly global health initiatives through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The first known meeting occurred on January 31, 2011, at Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse, where Gates discussed potential collaborations. Subsequent meetings took place at the same location, with at least three documented encounters between 2011 and 2013, as reported by The New York Times. Additionally, Gates flew on Epstein’s private jet, the 'Lolita Express,' on at least one occasion in March 2013, from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey to Palm Beach, Florida, according to flight logs reviewed by multiple outlets. There is no evidence of Gates visiting Epstein’s private island, Little St. James. Financially, there are no verified direct transactions between Gates and Epstein, though Epstein reportedly pitched a fund to the Gates Foundation, which was declined. Gates has expressed regret over the association, stating in a 2021 CNN interview, 'I shouldn’t have had dinners with him,' and clarifying that their interactions were strictly professional. No victim testimonies from the Giuffre v. Maxwell case or other depositions directly link Gates to Epstein’s criminal activities, and Gates has not been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. News investigations, including those by The Miami Herald and The Wall Street Journal, have highlighted Epstein’s efforts to leverage Gates’ name for credibility, though Gates distanced himself after learning of Epstein’s past. Their shared associates include scientists and philanthropists like Boris Nikolic, a biotech investor named as a backup executor in Epstein’s will, though Nikolic declined involvement. The connection remains a point of public interest, fueled by social media speculation on platforms like Twitter/X, but official records focus on their limited, professional interactions.
Brockman facilitated meetings between Epstein and Gates through Edge Foundation network.
Both are prominent philanthropists and have attended events together, including climate and health initiatives.
Social and Business Associate
Met with Epstein at this NYC mansion multiple times to discuss philanthropy, as confirmed by Gates in media statements.
Long-time colleagues at Microsoft, with Ballmer succeeding Gates as CEO.
Tags
Public Statements (1)
What they claimed:
Regretted meeting Epstein and meetings were about philanthropy
“I made a mistake in judgment that I thought those discussions would lead to philanthropy... Meeting with Epstein was a mistake that I regret deeply.”
What the evidence shows:
Gates met with Epstein numerous times after his 2008 conviction, including at Epstein's NYC mansion. The New York Times reported Gates flew on Epstein's plane in 2013. Internal emails show Gates' team worked to conceal the extent of the relationship.
Sources (3)
New York Times Investigation
Gates Foundation Statement
Wall Street Journal Report