“I haven’t spoken to him at all since the whole thing was unveiled.”
Those words from Warren Buffett, spoken calmly but with unmistakable finality, sent shockwaves through the billionaire circles that once viewed him and Bill Gates as inseparable allies in global philanthropy.
In a candid new interview, the 95-year-old Oracle of Omaha revealed he has completely cut off contact with his longtime friend and partner—recipient of more than $43 billion in Berkshire Hathaway donations—after the explosive release of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Buffett admitted he was surprised by what emerged about Gates’ repeated meetings with the convicted sex offender. His reason for the sudden distance is brutally pragmatic: “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 years of shared “great times” and joint efforts to save millions of lives, one of the most powerful friendships in business now sits in icy silence—until the scandal “gets cleared up.”
What did Buffett learn that made even the world’s most trusted investor hit the brakes so hard?
Those words from Warren Buffett, spoken calmly but with unmistakable finality, sent shockwaves through the billionaire circles that once viewed him and Bill Gates as inseparable allies in global philanthropy.
In a candid new interview with CNBC’s Becky Quick on Squawk Box, the 95-year-old Oracle of Omaha revealed he has completely cut off contact with his longtime friend and partner—recipient of more than $43 billion in Berkshire Hathaway stock donations—after the explosive release of the Jeffrey Epstein files by the U.S. Department of Justice earlier this year.
Buffett admitted he was surprised by what emerged about Gates’ repeated meetings with the convicted sex offender, even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction. His reason for the sudden distance is brutally pragmatic: “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 years of shared “great times,” bridge games, meals, and joint efforts through the Gates Foundation that have helped save millions of lives worldwide, one of the most powerful friendships in business now sits in icy silence—until the scandal “gets cleared up.”
What did Buffett learn that made even the world’s most trusted investor hit the brakes so hard?
The newly unsealed documents include emails, notes, and records detailing Gates’ multiple meetings and discussions with Epstein, focused ostensibly on philanthropy. Some materials contain Epstein’s own assertions suggesting sexual misconduct by Gates, including claims of an STI allegedly contracted through encounters facilitated in Epstein’s circle. Gates has consistently denied any sexual involvement, calling his association with Epstein a “huge mistake” limited to philanthropic talks.
Buffett, whose poor eyesight required the files to be read to him, described Epstein as a “sensational con man” with an uncanny ability to identify and prey on the weaknesses of the powerful. He expressed relief that Gates never introduced him to Epstein, saying, “I got him to thank for not doing that.” Yet he stopped short of deeper commentary on the specific revelations involving his friend, choosing caution over curiosity.
Despite the fracture, Buffett does not regret his past donations to the Gates Foundation, noting that the organization’s work fighting disease and poverty continues to deliver real impact and that “they’re not stealing money for themselves.” However, he declined to commit to the next major annual tranche of Berkshire stock, typically given in June, stating he will “wait and see what unfolds.” He has already donated well over $43 billion—and in some reports closer to $47 billion—making him the foundation’s largest individual contributor.
Buffett’s measured response reflects the calculated risk management that built his legendary fortune. In an era when congressional scrutiny and potential testimony loom over those connected to the Epstein web, the Oracle of Omaha has chosen self-preservation. He values the friendship and the shared philanthropic legacy but believes meaningful conversation should wait until clarity emerges.
Whether the historic partnership fully recovers remains an open question. For now, radio silence prevails between two titans who once symbolized the best of billionaire benevolence. Buffett’s deliberate distance underscores a sobering truth: even the most trusted relationships can fracture under the weight of hidden associations and moral reckonings. In the rarefied world of elite philanthropy, trust—once strained—proves as fragile as any investment.
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