The Gates Foundation is hiring an investigator to probe its Epstein connections
CNN • • business
Key Points:
- The Gates Foundation has initiated an independent investigation into its past connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, aiming to review its engagement and partnership vetting policies.
- Employees were informed in March about the external review, which is expected to conclude this summer, though it remains unclear if the findings will be publicly released.
- Documents from the Justice Department reveal numerous communications between Bill Gates and Epstein after Epstein's 2008 conviction, involving coordination of meetings and discussions on philanthropic efforts.
- Bill Gates has apologized to foundation staff for his association with Epstein, calling it a "huge mistake," while denying any personal wrongdoing and labeling related allegations as false.
- Separately, the Gates Foundation plans to lay off 500 employees over the next few years as part of cost-cutting measures, and Gates intends to distribute nearly all of his estimated $200 billion wealth within 20 years before closing the foundation in 2045.
