Reports say tech billionaire Bill Gates withdrew from attending a major AI summit hosted by the government of India, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The move came amid renewed attention to Gates’s past association with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was accused of serious sexual crimes.
According to reports, public pressure and media scrutiny over that past connection may have contributed to the decision, as organizers sought to keep the focus on AI cooperation and global technology discussions rather than controversy.
However, there has been no official confirmation that Epstein-related concerns were the sole reason for Gates’s withdrawal. Other factors such as scheduling conflicts, security considerations, or logistical issues may also have played a role.
Analysts say the episode highlights how past associations can affect participation in high-profile international events, especially when political leaders, global companies, and sensitive technology topics are involved.