A report by the law firm WilmerHale, commissioned by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has found that staff members repeatedly warned Bill Gates about engaging with Jeffrey Epstein. The report, released on July 22, 2026, is based on over 50 interviews with current and former staff of the foundation. It indicates that Gates was aware of concerns regarding discussions with Epstein, particularly due to his prior conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution in 2008.
The report details approximately 30 meetings between Epstein and ten foundation leaders, including Gates, from 2011 to 2014, stating that these meetings were strictly business-related and focused on topics such as donor engagement and the foundation's polio strategy. The foundation emphasized that there was no evidence of illegal conduct or that it paid Epstein.
In response to the report, Gates acknowledged the importance of the review in providing clarity and strengthening oversight. He stated that he accepted the introduction to Epstein without applying the necessary scrutiny and ceased communication with him in December 2014. The foundation has outlined five recommendations for improving organizational risk management based on the findings of the report.