Warren Buffett has publicly addressed Bill Gates’ past relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, calling the association “distasteful” while stressing that people can make serious mistakes in choosing those they associate with.
The Berkshire Hathaway chairman made the comments during a CNBC interview after announcing a major change to his long-running charitable giving strategy. For the first time in two decades, Buffett is no longer directing donations to the Gates Foundation, instead allocating his latest Berkshire Hathaway shares to charitable organizations overseen by his children.
Buffett Says Friendship With Gates Continues
Despite his criticism of Gates’ past dealings with Epstein, Buffett emphasized that his personal relationship with the Microsoft co-founder remains intact.
He described their friendship as a “wonderful” one and indicated that the two have continued to stay in touch. Buffett also acknowledged that he has made mistakes in his own life by becoming friends with people who later proved to be poor choices, suggesting that errors in judgment are not unique to Gates.
Gates, responding to Buffett’s remarks and the shift in charitable giving, described Buffett as “a dear friend” and expressed deep appreciation for his decades of generosity toward the foundation.
End of a Two-Decade Philanthropic Partnership
Buffett’s latest donation marks a significant turning point in one of the world’s most prominent philanthropic partnerships.
Since 2006, Buffett has donated more than $47 billion worth of Berkshire Hathaway stock to the Gates Foundation, making him one of its largest contributors. His newest gift, valued at nearly $6 billion, has instead been directed to foundations linked to his children as he prepares the next generation to oversee the distribution of his fortune.
Buffett said the decision reflects his confidence that his children are ready to manage his charitable legacy rather than dissatisfaction with the Gates Foundation itself. He also noted that Gates has committed substantial personal resources to the foundation, leaving it well-positioned financially.
Gates’ Epstein Ties Have Faced Years of Scrutiny
Bill Gates has faced sustained public scrutiny over meetings he held with Jeffrey Epstein after Epstein’s 2008 conviction. Gates has repeatedly acknowledged that meeting Epstein was a mistake and has said he regrets giving him credibility through those interactions.
Recent congressional testimony and renewed public attention surrounding documents connected to Epstein have kept the issue in focus, prompting fresh questions about Gates’ past judgment.
What Comes Next
Buffett has indicated that future charitable distributions will increasingly flow through foundations managed by his family as part of a broader plan to distribute the remainder of his fortune over the coming years. While his philanthropic strategy is changing, he has made clear that the decision should not be interpreted as the end of his personal friendship with Gates.
The shift closes a notable chapter in modern philanthropy, as two of the world’s best-known billionaires continue pursuing charitable work through separate paths while maintaining a longstanding personal relationship.
