The Gates Foundation has announced that it will carry out an investigation into its past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein, according to a statement from the organisation.
The foundation said the review was commissioned in March by its CEO, Mark Suzman, with the backing of its Chair, Bill Gates, and independent members of its governing board.
“In March, with the support of our Chair, Bill Gates, and our independent Governing Board members, Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman commissioned an external review to assess past foundation engagement with Epstein, and our current policies for vetting and developing new philanthropic partnerships,” the statement read.
The move follows renewed scrutiny earlier this year after documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice, known as the Epstein Files, highlighted past connections between Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Epstein.
Gates has previously expressed regret over his association with Epstein and apologised to staff and the foundation, while also admitting to having extramarital affairs during his marriage to his former wife, Melinda Gates.
