From decades of shared “great times,” billion-dollar philanthropy, and one of the most powerful friendships in business to complete radio silence—Warren Buffett has drawn a firm line after reading the newly released Jeffrey Epstein documents.
In a remarkably candid interview, the 95-year-old Oracle of Omaha revealed he has not spoken to his longtime friend Bill Gates at all since the explosive files were unveiled.
“I haven’t talked to him at all since the whole thing was unveiled,” Buffett said. His reason is brutally straightforward and self-protective: “I don’t want to be in a position where I know things… I could get called as a witness. I don’t want to be under oath.”
After donating more than $43 billion to the Gates Foundation, Buffett admitted the revelations about Gates’ ties to the convicted sex offender stunned him. Now, until the scandal “gets cleared up,” the legendary investor is choosing deliberate distance over decades of closeness.
What exactly did Buffett discover in those millions of pages that made him hit pause on one of the most celebrated alliances in modern finance?
From decades of shared “great times,” billion-dollar philanthropy, and one of the most powerful friendships in business to complete radio silence—Warren Buffett has drawn a firm line after reading the newly released Jeffrey Epstein documents.
In a remarkably candid interview with CNBC’s Becky Quick on Squawk Box, the 95-year-old Oracle of Omaha revealed he has not spoken to his longtime friend Bill Gates at all since the explosive files were unveiled.
“I haven’t talked to him at all since the whole thing was unveiled,” Buffett said. His reason is brutally straightforward and self-protective: “I don’t want to be in a position where I know things… I could get called as a witness. I don’t want to be under oath.”
After donating more than $43 billion to the Gates Foundation, Buffett admitted the revelations about Gates’ ties to the convicted sex offender stunned him. Now, until the scandal “gets cleared up,” the legendary investor is choosing deliberate distance over decades of closeness.
What exactly did Buffett discover in those millions of pages that made him hit pause on one of the most celebrated alliances in modern finance?
The U.S. Department of Justice’s release of Epstein-related documents earlier this year included emails and notes detailing Gates’ repeated meetings with Epstein, some occurring well after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for sex crimes. Most damaging were draft emails written by Epstein himself alleging that Gates had sexual encounters with “Russian girls,” contracted a sexually transmitted infection (STI) as a result, and sought help obtaining medication — including requests for antibiotics that could be discreetly given to his then-wife, Melinda French Gates. Other claims suggested Epstein facilitated “illicit trysts with married women” and provided assistance ranging from morally questionable to potentially illegal activities. Gates has strongly denied these allegations, calling them “absolutely absurd and completely false,” and has described his association with Epstein as a “huge mistake” focused solely on philanthropy. He has stated he saw nothing illicit and did nothing illicit in connection with Epstein.
Buffett, whose poor eyesight required the voluminous files to be read aloud to him, expressed astonishment at Epstein’s skill as a “sensational con man” who preyed on the weaknesses of the powerful. He voiced relief that Gates never introduced him to Epstein, noting he was “so happy the guy didn’t stop in Omaha.” While Buffett has not delved publicly into the specific allegations against his friend, the sheer volume and graphic nature of the material clearly prompted his cautious retreat. He still speaks warmly of their past friendship and shared philanthropic achievements but believes further conversation should wait until matters are resolved.
Despite the current silence, Buffett does not regret his massive donations to the Gates Foundation. He emphasized that the organization’s work combating disease and poverty continues to produce meaningful results and that “they’re not stealing money for themselves.” However, he has not committed to the next scheduled tranche of Berkshire Hathaway stock donations, preferring to “wait and see what unfolds.”
Buffett’s response reflects the disciplined risk assessment that built his legendary career. In a scandal carrying the possibility of congressional testimony and further legal scrutiny, the Oracle of Omaha has prioritized self-preservation while preserving respect for the foundation’s impact. The fracture highlights how Epstein’s web continues to unsettle even the most stable relationships among the world’s elite. For now, one of philanthropy’s most iconic partnerships remains on hold — a measured pause born of caution rather than outright rupture.
Leave a Reply