The decision to cancel his appearance at the AI Impact Summit was confirmed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation just hours before the event. Gates had been scheduled to speak alongside delegates including French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian business leader Mukesh Ambani, according to CNN.
In a statement, the foundation said that after careful consideration, and to keep the focus on the summit’s main priorities, Gates would not deliver his keynote address. No specific reason was provided for the withdrawal.
Only two days earlier, the organisation had confirmed his participation. In a post on X on Tuesday, it stated that Gates would attend the AI Impact Summit and deliver his keynote as planned.
Speculation has grown that the sudden decision may be linked to recently released documents related to Epstein. In late January, the United States Department of Justice made public around three million Epstein-related files. The documents highlighted Epstein’s connections with prominent figures, including Gates.
The files included allegations that Epstein facilitated sexual encounters for Gates, and referenced claims about his interactions with “Russian girls” and a sexually transmitted infection.
Gates, 70, has denied the allegations, calling them false, and has expressed regret over his association with Epstein. Speaking to Australian outlet 9News earlier this month, he said he regretted every minute he spent with Epstein.
The AI Impact Summit is currently taking place in New Delhi and is being described as one of the largest artificial intelligence conferences in the Global South.
