Warren Buffett Bill Gates Epstein comments are making headlines after the legendary investor revealed he has not spoken to Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates since the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. In a candid interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Buffett addressed the high-profile fallout and explained why he is keeping his distance from his longtime friend and philanthropic partner.
Buffett, 95, told Becky Quick on Tuesday that he has avoided contact with Gates “since the whole thing was unveiled.” He expressed concern about potentially being called as a witness in ongoing investigations, stating, “I don’t want to be in a position where I know things… to be called as a witness.”
The two billionaires have shared a close personal and professional relationship for decades. Since 2006, Buffett has donated more than $43 billion to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Together with Gates and his ex-wife Melinda, they launched The Giving Pledge, encouraging the world’s wealthiest individuals to commit the majority of their fortunes to charitable causes.
Despite speaking fondly of their past friendship, Buffett made it clear that the Epstein revelations have changed the dynamic. “I think until it gets cleared up, it doesn’t make sense to do a lot of talking,” he said. He added that he does not want to be placed “under oath” regarding the matter.
Gates first met Epstein in 2011, years after the financier’s 2008 guilty plea in Florida for soliciting prostitution from an underage girl. Court documents and emails made public since late 2025 have detailed their interactions, triggering intense scrutiny. In February, Gates publicly apologized to Gates Foundation staff for his association with Epstein and acknowledged having affairs with two Russian women, information Epstein reportedly learned about.
Buffett described Epstein as an extraordinary con man who exploited powerful men’s weaknesses. “It is astounding to me that anyone could be that successful as a con man,” he said. “Men are going to like sex… and some of them are going to like not paying taxes, and he figured out their weaknesses. That guy must have been the con man of all time.”
He noted with relief that Gates never introduced him to Epstein, saying, “I got him to thank for not doing that.” Still, Buffett acknowledged the difficulty of distancing oneself completely from the scandal’s impact.
The comments mark Buffett’s first public remarks about Gates since the Epstein files surfaced. Gates has maintained he never witnessed or participated in any illegal activity by Epstein. In early March, he agreed to testify before the House Oversight Committee about his dealings with the late sex offender. A spokesperson for Gates said he “welcomes the opportunity to appear before the Committee” and looks forward to answering questions.
The developments have drawn significant attention from investors, philanthropists, and the public. Buffett’s decision to step back from communication with Gates highlights the serious reputational risks still surrounding anyone linked to Epstein, even years after his death.
For many Americans following business and philanthropy news, the situation raises broader questions about accountability among the ultra-wealthy and the scrutiny facing major charitable foundations. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation remains one of the largest and most influential philanthropic organizations in the world, funding global health, education, and poverty initiatives.
Buffett’s characteristically straightforward style in the interview has resonated with observers who appreciate his long-standing reputation for integrity and plain speaking. While he expressed continued respect for the philanthropic work he and Gates built together, his current stance underscores a clear personal boundary amid the unresolved questions.
As the Epstein files continue to generate legal and congressional interest, Buffett’s comments add a notable voice from within elite financial circles. The investor emphasized that he prefers to avoid any situation that could entangle him further in the controversy.
Warren Buffett Bill Gates Epstein connection continues to fuel public discussion as both men navigate the long-term consequences of their past associations. Buffett’s decision to limit contact reflects the caution many high-profile figures are exercising while investigations and public scrutiny persist.