Epstein Files Stir Controversy Around Bill Gates and Other Tech Titans

The latest release of documents by the US Department of Justice related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has once again thrust some of the world’s most influential tech leaders into the spotlight. The emails and notes, spanning years of Epstein’s communications, paint a picture of an expansive social and professional network that reached deep into Silicon Valley.

Among the most talked-about names is Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates. Notes drafted by Epstein in 2013 allege that Gates engaged in extramarital relationships and encounters involving Russian women. In one note, Jeffrey Epstein wrote that he helped Gates acquire drugs “in order to deal with consequences of sex with Russian girls.” Though it does not explicitly mention that the Microsoft cofounder got a sexually transmitted disease (STD) from this alleged encounter. Additionally, Epstein also claims to have helped Gates meet married women.

There is no clear evidence that these emails were ever sent to Gates. According to the documents, Epstein wrote the messages shortly after a failed attempt to arrange a partnership between the Gates Foundation and JPMorgan Chase — a deal that might have benefited him financially. The Gates Foundation has strongly denied the allegations, calling them "absolutely absurd and completely false" and suggesting the claims reflect Epstein’s frustration over not maintaining a relationship with Gates.

Google cofounder Sergey Brin is also mentioned. Records suggest Brin attended dinners connected to Epstein and met with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate. Maxwell wrote to Brin in 2003, "Dinners at Jeffreys are always happily casual and relaxed. Look forward to seeing you." Other entries indicate he visited Epstein’s properties and that their association may have helped JPMorgan establish Brin as a client.

PayPal cofounder Peter Thiel’s name appears in email exchanges as well. In one message, Epstein wrote to Thiel, "that was fun, see you in 3 weeks." Another note mentions an invitation to Epstein’s private island. Thiel has denied ever visiting, stating that his interactions were limited to discussions around potential investments.

LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman is also referenced in travel logs and memos concerning visits to Epstein’s properties. Reports suggest Epstein even assisted in recovering Hoffman’s misplaced passport. Hoffman has since apologised for his involvement.

Steven Sinofsky, a former Microsoft executive, appears in emails seeking Epstein’s advice about career decisions after leaving the company. Exchanges show a casual, consultative relationship, including messages about professional transitions and future plans.

Elon Musk presents a particularly curious case. While he has publicly pushed for the release of Epstein-related documents, records show he was once in discussions about a possible island visit. Musk has firmly denied ever traveling to the island or flying on Epstein’s private jet, maintaining that transparency is necessary to protect victims.

Though being named in the files does not imply wrongdoing, the revelations highlight how Epstein’s reach extended into elite business circles — and how even distant associations can cast long shadows.