Bill Gates Cancels AI Summit Speech in India Amid Renewed Epstein Controversy
Tech billionaire Bill Gates has cancelled his planned keynote speech at a major artificial intelligence summit in New Delhi, according to reporting by CNN.
CNN reports that the decision was announced just hours before he was scheduled to speak. In a statement, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation said Gates stepped back after “careful consideration” so that attention would remain on the summit’s main focus — artificial intelligence and development issues.
No detailed explanation was given for the sudden withdrawal, CNN notes.
Fresh Scrutiny Over Links to Jeffrey Epstei
According to CNN, the cancellation comes at a time when Gates is facing renewed public attention over his past association with Jeffrey Epstein.
Recently released documents include draft emails Epstein allegedly wrote to himself in 2013. CNN explains that the messages contain claims about Gates’ personal life, but it is still unclear who actually wrote them, and they were never sent.
Gates has strongly denied the allegations, calling them false, CNN reports.
Gates Had Been Active in India Days Before
Before cancelling his speech, Gates had already travelled to India and held meetings with local leaders. CNN says he met N. Chandrababu Naidu earlier in the week and shared appreciation for the welcome in a social media post.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially opened the AI summit on Thursday morning, CNN adds, describing the event as one of the largest technology gatherings focused on the Global South.
The foundation said it will still participate in the summit through senior representative Ankur Vora, who leads its regional work in Africa and India.
What the Newly Released Files Show
CNN reports that the latest batch of documents connected to Epstein has brought new attention to his communications with influential figures around the world, including Gates.
The emails show the two men had discussions related to meetings and philanthropic projects after Epstein’s 2008 conviction. However, Gates’ representatives told CNN that he regrets ever meeting Epstein and insists there was no improper relationship.
A spokesperson told CNN the accusations are “absurd and completely false,” adding that Gates never visited Epstein’s private island or took part in illegal activities.
Gates Says the Meetings Were a “Mistake”
In an interview cited by CNN, Gates admitted that spending time with Epstein was an error in judgment and said he regrets those meetings.
He explained that their interactions were limited to dinners and discussions, stressing that he had no involvement in Epstein’s crimes. CNN reports that Gates believes further information will continue to clarify the situation.
Unique Perspective: Reputation Risks in the Age of Transparenc
CNN’s reporting highlights how, in today’s digital world, past associations can quickly return to affect present-day work — even for global figures known mainly for technology and philanthropy.
The situation shows that leadership in areas like AI, health, and development is no longer judged only by innovation or charity. Public trust now plays a major role, and controversies — even unproven ones — can shift attention away from major global discussions.
For large international events, this also reflects a growing reality: organizers must balance influential speakers with the risk that personal controversies could overshadow the message they want the world to hear.
In simple terms:
CNN reports that Bill Gates pulled out of the AI summit to avoid distracting from the event, as questions about his past contact with Jeffrey Epstein resurfaced. Gates denies the allegations and says he regrets ever meeting Epstein, while his foundation continues its work and representation at the conference.
Credit: CNN
https://edition.cnn.com/2026/02/18/india/bill-gates-india-summit-keynote-intl-hnk