Buffett Cuts Ties With Gates After Epstein Files Bombshell

Billionaire investor says he hasn't spoken to Microsoft co-founder since details of Gates' past association with disgraced financier resurfaced.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:00pm

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Warren Buffett has revealed he has cut off contact with Bill Gates following the explosive release of files linked to Jeffrey Epstein. The billionaire investor said he has not spoken to the Microsoft co-founder 'at all' since details of Gates' past association with the disgraced financier resurfaced. Buffett also delivered a scathing assessment of Epstein, describing him as a master manipulator who preyed on the weaknesses of powerful men.

Why it matters

The revelations about Gates' ties to Epstein have reignited scrutiny of the Microsoft co-founder's past relationships and raised questions about his judgment. Buffett's decision to distance himself from Gates underscores the reputational damage the Epstein scandal has inflicted on prominent figures associated with the disgraced financier.

The details

Buffett said he has not talked to Gates 'at all' since the Epstein files were released, adding that 'until things are resolved, it's not wise to say much.' He also described Epstein as a 'con man' who preyed on the weaknesses of powerful men. Buffett said Gates might have invited him to meet Epstein in New York, but fortunately never did.

  • The Epstein files were recently released, reigniting scrutiny of Gates' past ties to the disgraced financier.

The players

Warren Buffett

A billionaire investor who has revealed he has cut off contact with Bill Gates following the release of the Epstein files.

Bill Gates

The co-founder of Microsoft whose past association with Jeffrey Epstein has come under renewed scrutiny.

Jeffrey Epstein

A disgraced financier whom Buffett described as a 'con man' who preyed on the weaknesses of powerful men.

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What they’re saying

“I haven't talked to him at all since the whole thing was unveiled.”

— Warren Buffett, Billionaire investor

“It is astounding to me that anyone could be that successful as a con man. Men are going to like sex... and some of them are going to like not paying taxes, and he figured out their weaknesses. That guy must have been the con man of all time. He had a way of conning everybody.”

— Warren Buffett, Billionaire investor

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the release of additional Epstein files that could further implicate Gates and other prominent figures.

The takeaway

Buffett's decision to distance himself from Gates underscores the reputational damage the Epstein scandal has inflicted on prominent figures associated with the disgraced financier. The revelations have reignited scrutiny of Gates' past relationships and raised questions about his judgment.