Bill Gates skips AI Summit after 'careful consideration' amid Epstein files controversy
text_fields
New Delhi: The Gates Foundation reversed course Thursday, withdrawing Bill Gates as keynote speaker at the India AI Impact Summit 2026—just a day after confirming his participation—citing "careful consideration" to keep focus on the event's priorities.
Gates, facing backlash over mentions in Jeffrey Epstein files, was set to speak today at Bharat Mandapam. Instead, Ankur Vora, President of Africa and India Offices, will represent the foundation.
"After careful consideration, and to ensure the focus remains on the AI Summit's key priorities. The Gates Foundation remains fully committed to our work in India to advance our shared health and development goals," the statement read.
The U-turn followed Wednesday's dismissal of attendance rumors, insisting Gates would speak as planned. Gates has called Epstein-related claims "absolutely absurd and completely false."
His India trip sparked online fury, with critics accusing him of Epstein ties and using Indians as "lab rats" for products. Earlier, Andhra Pradesh leaders, including Nara Lokesh, welcomed him at Gannavaram Airport for an Amaravati meeting.
The summit, now on day four, features addresses from PM Narendra Modi, French President Emmanuel Macron, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Sam Altman, and Mukesh Ambani.