Epstein scandal: Bill Gates cancels AI summit speech

Bill Gates abruptly cancelled his planned keynote speech at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, withdrawing just hours before he was scheduled to appear as renewed controversy over Jeffrey Epstein's network intensified. Gates, the Microsoft co-founder and major global philanthropist, had been listed as one of the summit's most high-profile speakers, with the event focused on how artificial intelligence can be used in developing economies. His withdrawal comes as the release of millions of documents tied to Epstein has triggered global embarrassment for a number of prominent men, particularly after the recent arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in the United Kingdom. A statement from the Gates Foundation said:

«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 expanding Epstein files controversy has reshaped public attention far beyond American politics, placing international pressure on governments, institutions, and individuals who once had any contact with Epstein. The latest document release has reignited outrage by exposing communications, names, and references tied to Epstein's relationships with wealthy and influential figures. While being mentioned in the documents does not prove wrongdoing, the scale of the disclosure has triggered new scrutiny and renewed calls for transparency. Gates's decision to cancel his appearance reflects the reputational risk now attached to the scandal as it spreads across multiple countries. The fallout has intensified further after the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, which reinforced public perception that Epstein's influence reached into the highest levels of society and that legal consequences may now be expanding.

Gates has been pulled into the spotlight due to the publication of documents and draft emails linked to Epstein that directly reference him. Among the released materials were draft messages reportedly dated July 2013, written by Epstein to himself, that made explicit allegations about Gates and claimed he had engaged in sexual encounters that resulted in a sexually transmitted disease. The draft alleged Gates sought antibiotics to give to his then-wife, Melinda French Gates, as part of an effort to conceal the situation. The allegations have drawn intense media coverage and renewed debate over Gates's past meetings with Epstein, particularly because Gates continued to see Epstein after his 2008 conviction. The revelations have fueled questions about whether Epstein collected compromising information as leverage over powerful people.

Gates's association with Epstein has been documented for years, but the renewed attention has brought back his earlier attempts to distance himself from the financier. In past comments, Gates admitted the meetings were a mistake and insisted the relationship was not personal. He said: «I met him. I didn't have any business relationship or friendship with him.» Gates also acknowledged the reputational impact of being seen with Epstein, stating: «It was a huge mistake to spend time with him, to give him the credibility of being there.» Those remarks have resurfaced as the files release fuels fresh speculation about the extent of Epstein's influence. The renewed scrutiny has also raised questions about why Gates continued to engage with Epstein at all, despite his conviction and long-standing reputation.

The scandal has also drawn rare public remarks from Gates's ex-wife, Melinda French Gates, who spoke about the emotional damage caused by the resurfacing of Epstein-related allegations. In a recent interview, she said the controversy revived «memories of some very, very painful times in my marriage.» She added that she would not attempt to speak for others, saying:

«Whatever questions remain there — I can't even begin to know all of it — those questions are for those people and for even my ex-husband. They need to answer to those things, not me.» Her comments were widely interpreted as a reminder that Epstein-related issues played a role in the personal strain surrounding the collapse of their marriage, even as she avoided making direct accusations.

Gates and his representatives have denied any wrongdoing and rejected the claims circulating from the newly released files. A spokesperson for Gates dismissed the allegations contained in Epstein's draft emails, calling them «absolutely absurd and completely false.» The Gates Foundation also framed his withdrawal from the summit as an attempt to avoid distracting from the event's goals, rather than an admission of guilt. Still, the controversy highlights how the Epstein files have become a political and cultural crisis, especially as public figures accuse governments of protecting powerful friends. In the United States, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has claimed Trump is trying to shield men linked to Epstein by limiting full disclosure. As Gates faces renewed scrutiny, the fallout shows that Epstein's shadow continues to reach into global politics, business, and public life.

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