As Gates’ Epstein connection unnerves staff, his foundation looks for a way forward

Fortune

by Jake Angelo

February 20, 2026

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Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and a prominent philanthropist, withdrew from the AI summit in New Delhi just hours before his scheduled keynote speech. This abrupt decision came amid renewed scrutiny over his past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, following the release of emails linking him to the disgraced financier. While Gates did not speak at the event, the Gates Foundation was represented by Ankur Vora, who emphasized the organization's continued commitment to its work in India and global health initiatives. The controversy stems from a batch of emails released by the U.S. Department of Justice, which revealed that Gates had several meetings with Epstein after his 2009 prison release. These conversations reportedly focused on Gates' philanthropic goals, sparking concerns within the Gates Foundation about how this association could impact its reputation and work. Mark Suzman, CEO of the foundation, expressed discomfort during an internal town hall, acknowledging the potential damage to the organization's image. Gates has faced increasing pressure to address his past ties to Epstein, particularly after he recently expressed regret for spending time with the financier in a public interview. Despite these challenges, the Gates Foundation remains dedicated to its mission, having pledged $200 billion over the next

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Originally published on Fortune on 2/20/2026