The legendary 95-year-old investor has gone completely silent on his longtime friend Bill Gates after diving into the newly released Jeffrey Epstein files — and he’s doing it deliberately to protect himself.
“I haven’t spoken to him at all since the whole thing was unveiled,” Buffett admitted in a startlingly candid interview. His reason is blunt and calculated: “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 close collaboration and pouring more than $43 billion into the Gates Foundation, the Oracle of Omaha was stunned by what he learned about Gates’ connections to the convicted sex offender. Now, one of the most famous friendships in business has been replaced by icy radio silence — at least until the scandal fully clears.
What shocking details in those files pushed even the unflappable Buffett into self-preservation mode?
The legendary 95-year-old investor has gone completely silent on his longtime friend Bill Gates after diving into the newly released Jeffrey Epstein files — and he’s doing it deliberately to protect himself.
“I haven’t spoken to him at all since the whole thing was unveiled,” Buffett admitted in a startlingly candid interview with CNBC’s Becky Quick on Squawk Box. His reason is blunt and calculated: “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 close collaboration and pouring more than $43 billion into the Gates Foundation, the Oracle of Omaha was stunned by what he learned about Gates’ connections to the convicted sex offender. Now, one of the most famous friendships in business has been replaced by icy radio silence — at least until the scandal fully clears.
What shocking details in those files pushed even the unflappable Buffett into self-preservation mode?
The U.S. Department of Justice’s release of millions of pages of Epstein-related documents, which began in late 2025 and continued into 2026, included emails, notes, and draft communications detailing Gates’ multiple meetings with Epstein — many occurring years after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for sex crimes. The most explosive elements were draft emails written by Epstein himself, in which he alleged that Gates had sexual encounters with “Russian girls,” contracted a sexually transmitted infection (STI) as a result, and sought discreet medical help, including medication that could be given surreptitiously to his then-wife, Melinda French Gates. Other claims suggested Epstein had facilitated “illicit trysts” with married women and assisted in covering up the consequences.
Gates has strongly denied these allegations, describing them as “absolutely absurd and completely false” and attributing them to a “proven, disgruntled liar.” He has repeatedly called his overall association with Epstein a “huge mistake,” insisting their interactions were limited to philanthropic discussions and that he saw no illicit activity. Gates has also apologized to Gates Foundation staff for the relationship.
Buffett, whose poor eyesight required the files to be read aloud to him, described Epstein as an extraordinary “con man” who possessed an uncanny ability to identify and prey on the weaknesses of powerful men. He expressed relief that Gates never introduced him to Epstein, stating he was thankful their paths never crossed. While Buffett has avoided publicly elaborating on the specific claims involving his friend, the graphic and voluminous nature of the material clearly prompted his cautious approach. He still speaks warmly of their shared “great times” and the foundation’s global health achievements but believes further conversation should wait until the matter is resolved.
Despite the current distance, Buffett does not regret his past donations, noting that the organization’s work fighting disease and poverty remains valuable and that “they’re not stealing money for themselves.” He has not yet committed to the next scheduled tranche of Berkshire Hathaway stock, typically given in June, saying he will “wait and see what unfolds” amid potential congressional scrutiny and testimony.
Buffett’s measured withdrawal reflects the same clear-eyed risk assessment that built his legendary fortune. In a scandal that continues to ripple through elite circles with ongoing investigations, the Oracle of Omaha has chosen self-preservation over closeness. For now, silence reigns between two titans of business and philanthropy — a pragmatic pause born of caution in the face of uncomfortable revelations and the long shadow of Jeffrey Epstein.
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