Bill Gates Withdraws from India Technology Summit Amid Renewed Epstein Scrutiny

Bill Gates has withdrawn from a scheduled keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, hours before he was set to speak, following renewed attention to his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation released a statement Thursday morning announcing the Microsoft co-founder’s decision to cancel his appearance at the technology conference. “After careful consideration, and to ensure the focus remains on the AI Summit’s key priorities, Mr. Gates will not be delivering his keynote address,” the foundation stated. Ankur Vora, the foundation’s president of Africa and India offices, delivered remarks in Gates’ place.

The withdrawal follows weeks of intensified scrutiny after the Department of Justice released more than three million emails connected to the Epstein investigation. Among these communications were Epstein’s personal emails, some of which contained allegations regarding Gates’ conduct during his marriage to Melinda French Gates.

According to the released documents, certain emails alleged that Gates engaged in extramarital affairs and sought medication to treat a sexually transmitted infection. The correspondence further alleged that Gates intended to provide this medication to his then-wife without her knowledge.

Gates has previously addressed his connection to Epstein in public statements. During an interview with an Australian news outlet, he acknowledged his past meetings with the financier, characterizing his decision to spend time with Epstein as “foolish.” The two men met on multiple occasions, with Gates reportedly seeking Epstein’s assistance in philanthropic endeavors, though the exact nature and extent of their relationship has remained a subject of public interest and investigation.

The timing of Gates’ withdrawal from the India summit reflects the ongoing challenges the billionaire philanthropist faces as details from the Epstein investigation continue to emerge. Congressional lawmakers have escalated their examination of individuals connected to Epstein, with some officials suggesting that Gates could face a subpoena as part of their probe.

The India AI Impact Summit represents a significant gathering of technology leaders and policymakers focused on artificial intelligence development and implementation. Gates’ scheduled appearance had been promoted as a highlight of the event, given his longstanding influence in the technology sector and his foundation’s substantial investments in global health and development initiatives.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, despite the divorce of its namesake founders, continues to operate as one of the world’s largest philanthropic organizations, with billions of dollars directed toward disease prevention, agricultural development, and education programs worldwide.

This development adds another chapter to the ongoing fallout from the Epstein scandal, which has touched numerous prominent figures in business, politics, and entertainment since the financier’s arrest in 2019 and subsequent death in federal custody. The release of millions of investigative documents ensures that questions about Epstein’s associations will persist for the foreseeable future.

Gates has not issued additional public statements beyond his previous acknowledgment of poor judgment in maintaining contact with Epstein.