Bill Gates Cancels AI Summit Keynote Amid Epstein Ties Scrutiny

The Gates Foundation cited a need to keep the focus on the summit's priorities as the reason for Gates' withdrawal.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Bill Gates has canceled his keynote address at the AI Impact Summit in India, with the Gates Foundation citing a need to ensure the event's priorities remain the focus. This comes as Gates' past relationship with the late Jeffrey Epstein has come under increased scrutiny, with draft emails suggesting Epstein claimed to have arranged sexual encounters for Gates.

Why it matters

Gates' ties to Epstein have long been a source of controversy, and the release of more files related to the government's investigation into Epstein's sex trafficking ring has heightened the scrutiny around associates and potential co-conspirators. Gates' withdrawal from the high-profile AI summit raises questions about the impact these allegations could have on his public standing and philanthropic work.

The details

In the draft emails, which appear to have been written by Epstein, he claims that he arranged sexual encounters for Gates. Gates has denied these allegations, stating that his interactions with Epstein were limited to philanthropic discussions and that he never visited Epstein's island or met any women through him. However, the Gates Foundation did not provide a specific reason for Gates' last-minute withdrawal from the AI summit, only stating that it was to 'ensure the focus remains on the AI Summit's key priorities'.

  • On February 19, 2026, Bill Gates canceled his keynote address at the AI Impact Summit in India.
  • In recent weeks, draft emails in Epstein's email account implicating Gates have been released.

The players

Bill Gates

Co-founder of Microsoft and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, who has faced increased scrutiny over his past relationship with the late Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late financier who was convicted of sex trafficking and whose associates and potential co-conspirators continue to face heightened scrutiny.

Ashwini Vaishnaw

India's IT minister, who told reporters that 'personal choices' would determine if Gates attended the AI summit.

Les Wexner

Real estate mogul who was deposed by the Congressional Oversight Committee on Wednesday over being named a potential co-conspirator of Epstein.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

Formerly known as Prince Andrew, who was arrested by British police on suspicion of misconduct in public office and is being investigated for his ties to Epstein.

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What they’re saying

“Personal choices would determine if Gates attended.”

— Ashwini Vaishnaw, India's IT Minister (Reporters)

What’s next

The scrutiny around Gates' ties to Epstein is likely to continue, with further investigations and potential fallout for Gates' public standing and philanthropic work.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by public figures when their past associations with controversial individuals like Epstein come to light, and the potential impact on their reputation and influence, even in the context of their philanthropic efforts.