Bill Gates Withdraws from India AI Summit Amid Epstein Scrutiny

The billionaire's abrupt decision follows renewed questions about his ties to the late financier and convicted sex offender.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has pulled out of the AI summit in New Delhi, just hours before he was scheduled to deliver a keynote speech. The move comes amid renewed scrutiny over Gates's past relationship with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Gates Foundation has stated that Gates withdrew to ensure the focus remains on the summit's priorities, but the decision has reportedly caused rumblings within the organization as staff raise concerns about the potential damage to the foundation's reputation.

Why it matters

Gates's association with Epstein has raised questions about the billionaire's judgment and the impact it could have on his philanthropic work through the Gates Foundation. The foundation's work in global health and development is seen as crucial, and any damage to its reputation could undermine its ability to achieve its goals.

The details

The Gates Foundation confirmed as recently as Tuesday that Gates would be attending the AI summit, but he ultimately withdrew just hours before his scheduled keynote address. The organization stated that Gates did not give the speech 'to ensure the focus remains on the AI Summit's key priorities.' Instead, the foundation was represented by Ankur Vora, president of its Africa and India offices.

  • On February 20, 2026, Bill Gates withdrew from the AI summit in New Delhi, just hours before he was scheduled to deliver a keynote speech.
  • In February 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice released emails featuring Bill Gates's name in the Epstein files, sparking new questions about Gates's involvement with the late financier and convicted sex offender.

The players

Bill Gates

The co-founder of Microsoft and a major philanthropist through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Jeffrey Epstein

A late financier and convicted sex offender whose relationship with Bill Gates has come under renewed scrutiny.

Mark Suzman

The CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, who has expressed concern about the potential damage to the organization's reputation due to Gates's association with Epstein.

Melinda French Gates

Bill Gates's ex-wife, who has also been involved in the couple's philanthropic work through the Gates Foundation.

Warren Buffett

The former CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, who has joined Bill and Melinda Gates in the Giving Pledge campaign to encourage the world's richest to commit the majority of their wealth to charitable organizations.

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What they’re saying

“I feel somewhat sullied by just any association of Epstein with the work we do.”

— Mark Suzman, CEO, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (Financial Times)

“Every minute I spent with him, I regret, and I apologize that I did that.”

— Bill Gates (9 News Australia)

What’s next

The Gates Foundation has stated that it remains fully committed to its work in India to advance shared health and development goals, but the organization will likely need to address the concerns raised by staff about the potential damage to its reputation due to Gates's association with Epstein.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the challenges faced by high-profile philanthropists like Bill Gates, whose personal relationships and decisions can have significant implications for the organizations they lead. The Gates Foundation will need to navigate this situation carefully to maintain public trust and continue its important work in global health and development.