Major Controversies Surrounding Bill Gates: A Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Bill Gates.

Bill Gates, an American businessman and philanthropist, revolutionized personal computing as co-founder of Microsoft in 1975 alongside Paul Allen. Microsoft's IPO in 1986 catapulted Gates to billionaire status by 1987, becoming the world's youngest at the time. He dominated Forbes' wealthiest person list for 18 years between 1995 and 2017, including a 13-year consecutive reign. Gates became the first centibillionaire in 1999. As of May 2025, his net worth stands at $115.1 billion, ranking him as the world's thirteenth-richest individual.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

February 1976: An Open Letter to Hobbyists

In February 1976, Bill Gates wrote An Open Letter to Hobbyists asserting that most users of Microsoft Altair BASIC had not paid for it, jeopardizing software development incentives.

1998: United States v. Microsoft case

In the 1998 United States v. Microsoft case, Bill Gates gave deposition testimony that several journalists characterized as evasive.

2007: Criticism for Foundation's Investment Practices

In 2007, the Los Angeles Times criticized the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for investing its assets in companies accused of worsening poverty and pollution.

2011: Started relationship with Jeffrey Epstein

In 2011, Bill Gates' relationship with financier Jeffrey Epstein started, just a few years after Epstein was convicted for procuring a child for prostitution.

March 2013: Meeting with Nobel Committee chair

In March 2013, Jeffrey Epstein and Bill Gates met with Nobel Committee chair Thorbjørn Jagland at his residence in Strasbourg, France, to discuss the Nobel Prize.

2013: Visit to Epstein's house

In the fall of 2013, Bill Gates visited Jeffrey Epstein's house with his wife, despite her declared discomfort.

2019: New York Times article about relationship with Jeffrey Epstein

A 2019 New York Times article reported that Bill Gates's relationship with financier Jeffrey Epstein started in 2011 and continued for some years.

2019: Melinda Consults Divorce Attorneys

In 2019, Melinda Gates began consulting with divorce attorneys, reportedly due in part to concerns over Bill Gates's ties with Jeffrey Epstein.

November 2020: Endorsing Face Masks and Criticizing Anti-Mask Activism

In a November 2020 interview with actress Rashida Jones, Bill Gates endorsed the wearing of face masks as a means to public reopening.

February 18, 2021: Gates on Trump's Social Media Ban

On February 18, 2021, after Facebook and Twitter banned Donald Trump, Bill Gates said a permanent ban of Trump "would be a shame" and would be an "extreme measure".

April 2021: Criticism for Views on COVID-19 Vaccine Patents

In April 2021, Bill Gates was criticized for suggesting pharmaceutical companies should hold onto patents for COVID-19 vaccines, opposing the TRIPS waiver.

May 2021: Stepping Down Amidst Investigation into Inappropriate Relationship

In May 2021, it was reported that Bill Gates stepped down before Microsoft's board finished its investigation into Gates's alleged inappropriate sexual relationship with a Microsoft employee.

August 2021: Meetings with Epstein for philanthropic work

In August 2021, Bill Gates said the reason he had meetings with Jeffrey Epstein was because Gates hoped Epstein could provide money for philanthropic work, though nothing came of the idea. Gates admitted it "was a huge mistake to spend time with him".

2021: Deterioration of Public Image

In 2021, Bill Gates experienced a shift in public opinion due to his divorce announcement, information about romantic pursuits, and his response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

September 2022: Politico Exposé

In September 2022, Politico published an exposé critical of NGO leadership at the helm of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic response, written in cooperation with the German newspaper Die Welt, including criticisms of the interconnectivity of the non-profits with Bill Gates.

2023: Epstein threatened to expose alleged affair

In 2023, it was reported that Jeffrey Epstein threatened to expose an alleged affair Bill Gates had with a Russian bridge player.

October 2024: Donation to Future Forward USA Action

In October 2024, The New York Times reported that Bill Gates donated $50 million to Future Forward USA Action, a 501(c)(4) organization supporting Kamala Harris's 2024 presidential campaign.