Bill Gates will no longer deliver the keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit, his philanthropic organisation confirmed on Wednesday. The announcement comes amid controversy surrounding the Microsoft co-founder’s name reportedly appearing in documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein.
In a statement posted on X, the Gates Foundation said the decision was taken to ensure that attention remains on the summit’s central themes.
“After careful consideration, and to keep the focus on the AI Summit’s key priorities, Mr Gates will not be delivering his keynote address,” the foundation said.
The organisation added that it remains committed to its ongoing work in India, particularly in the areas of health and development.
Ankur Vora To Represent Gates Foundation
The foundation said it will instead be represented at the New Delhi summit by Ankur Vora, president of its Africa and India offices, who is scheduled to speak later in the day.
The clarification follows several days of speculation after Gates’ name was absent from the official list of prominent participants at the six-day event.
Gates’ Name In Epstein Files
Epstein, a disgraced financier and convicted sex offender, died by suicide in a New York jail in August 2019. In documents made public in January, Epstein had made allegations about Gates’ personal life. There is no indication in the released records of criminal charges against Gates in connection with the matter.
Last week, Gates addressed his past association with Epstein in an interview with Australia’s 9News, expressing regret over the meetings. “Every minute I spent with him, I regret, and I apologise,” he said in the February 4 broadcast.
