A newly released deposition from Bill Gates has shed fresh light on his dealings with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, with particular focus on the Microsoft founder's connections to British philanthropic circles. The transcript, filed as part of ongoing civil proceedings, details Gates's admission that he met Epstein multiple times after the latter's 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor, a fact he had previously downplayed.
The deposition, taken in 2022, reveals that Gates discussed funding for global health initiatives with Epstein, who pitched a $2 billion philanthropic fund. Gates acknowledged that Epstein introduced him to several high-net-worth individuals, including those linked to British charities. The document does not name specific organisations, but sources indicate that at least one UK-based foundation is now reviewing its records.
Civil society groups have expressed concern about the implications for British charity governance. "This deposition exposes how easily reputations can be leveraged without proper due diligence," said a spokesperson for the Charity Finance Group. "Trustees must ask how introductions were made and what risks were carried."
Gates, who has previously called his association with Epstein a "mistake," testified that he had no knowledge of Epstein's crimes at the time of their meetings. However, the deposition contradicts earlier statements from a Gates spokeswoman, who had claimed the pair only met for dinners. The transcript shows they also exchanged emails and discussed potential investments in vaccine research.
Labour MP Margaret Hodge, a long-time campaigner for transparency, called for a parliamentary inquiry. "The British public deserves to know if any taxpayer-funded or charitable money was polluted by Epstein's network," she said. The Charities Commission has been urged to examine whether any UK charities failed to perform proper background checks on donors or intermediaries.
The revelations come amid a broader reckoning for the elite philanthropy sector, where billionaires often operate with little oversight. Epstein's address book, seized by the FBI, included over 100 UK contacts encompassing royals, politicians, and financiers.
Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His estate has continued to face lawsuits from victims.
Gates's lawyers have stressed that the deposition shows no illegality on their client's part. "Bill has been fully transparent about these interactions, which were solely aimed at advancing global health," a statement read.
But for working families struggling with the cost of living, the story underscores a disconnect. "While people here are worrying about energy bills, these billionaires are playing games with our institutions," said a community organiser in Manchester.
As scrutiny intensifies, the charity sector braces for a potential loss of public trust. The fallout from the Gates deposition may yet ripple far beyond the courtroom.
