External review finds no wrongdoing in Gates Foundation–Epstein links
An external review by law firm WilmerHale found no evidence that the Gates Foundation made improper payments or engaged in criminal activity related to Jeffrey Epstein. The foundation interacted with the convicted financier on two occasions between 2011 and 2014 regarding a donor fund and a grant, but did not proceed with the fund after Epstein misrepresented donor commitments.
The Gates Foundation released findings from an external review commissioned in March, conducted by the law firm WilmerHale, which examined the organisation's interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The investigation, which included interviews with 50 current and former staff members, concluded that the foundation made no improper payments and was not involved in any criminal activities tied to Epstein.
The review identified two separate engagements between the foundation and Epstein spanning 2011 to 2014. The first involved a proposed donor-advised fund intended to support global public health initiatives. The foundation ultimately did not pursue this arrangement after Epstein failed to deliver on commitments from other philanthropic partners, a shortcoming that became apparent during a 2014 breakfast meeting. According to the report, Epstein had misrepresented the knowledge and willingness of potential donors to commit to the fund.
The second interaction centred on the International Peace Institute. Epstein introduced Bill Gates to the organisation in 2012, and following an IPI presentation on polio eradication campaigns in 2013, the Gates Foundation awarded the institute a grant. The report noted that Gates was aware of Epstein's connections to IPI's leadership.
In response to the review, the Gates Foundation implemented new safeguards including a more centralised vetting process for prospective donors and partners. The organisation also committed to expanding its conflict-of-interest policies and enhancing staff training on sensitive information handling, though specific policy changes were not detailed.
The review's release follows Warren Buffett's announcement that he would cease donations to the foundation. Buffett has contributed more than $47 billion in Berkshire Hathaway stock to the Gates Foundation since 2006. Gates previously testified before the US House Oversight Committee in June, characterising his meetings with Epstein as a grave error in judgment.
Bell tracks these organizations in depth — profiles, people, signals, and history. See them inside Bell →
The corporate network behind every headline.