Former Prince Andrew was arrested. Bill Gates backed away from a speech. For these power players, the Epstein walls are closing in
Fortune
by Eva RoytburgFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The recent release of Jeffrey Epstein's emails has thrust several prominent figures into the spotlight, revealing their continued connections with him despite his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Notably, Prince Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office,涉嫌在担任英国贸易特使期间不当分享敏感政府文件给Epstein。这一逮捕并非围绕他与Giuffre的指控，而是聚焦于他在职期间的行为。
Meanwhile, Bill Gates withdrew from a speaking engagement at India's AI Impact Summit to avoid distracting attention from the summit itself. Emails uncovered show Gates met Epstein multiple times between 2011 and 2014, discussing philanthropy despite later cutting ties after deeming Epstein's ideas unproductive。尽管如此，Gates坚决否认涉及Epstein的非法活动，并称相关指控"完全荒谬且虚假"。
Other figures like Peter Mandelson and Larry Summers have also faced fallout. Mandelson, former UK ambassador to the US, resigned from his roles amid revelations of his close ties with Epstein, including celebrating his release from prison。Summers stepped down from public roles as investigations into potential misconduct gathered momentum.
The broader implication is clear: for business leaders, this serves as a cautionary tale about associations with controversial figures and the risks of reputational damage. The legal and financial repercussions highlight the importance of ethical conduct and transparency in maintaining trust and credibility within professional circles。
Verticals
businessfinance
Originally published on Fortune on 2/19/2026