Major Controversies Surrounding Bill Gates: A Detailed Timeline

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

Bill Gates is an American businessman and philanthropist, renowned as a pioneer of the microcomputer revolution. He co-founded Microsoft with Paul Allen in 1975, leading the company to global dominance in software. Gates became a billionaire at age 31 following Microsoft's IPO in 1986. He was consistently ranked as the wealthiest person globally by Forbes for many years. In 1999, he became the first centibillionaire. As of May 2025, his net worth is estimated at $115.1 billion, ranking him among the world's richest individuals.

Sections (6)

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

February 1976: Wrote 'An Open Letter to Hobbyists'

In February 1976, Bill Gates wrote 'An Open Letter to Hobbyists' in the MITS newsletter, addressing the issue of software piracy of Microsoft Altair BASIC and advocating for payment to software developers.

1998: United States v. Microsoft Case Deposition

In 1998, during the United States v. Microsoft case, Bill Gates gave deposition testimony that was characterized as evasive by several journalists. He argued with examiner David Boies over the contextual meaning of words, and the judge was seen laughing when portions of the videotaped deposition were played back in court.

2007: Criticism of Foundation's Investments

In 2007, the Los Angeles Times criticized the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for investing in companies accused of worsening poverty, pollution, and pharmaceutical firms that do not sell to developing countries. A review of investments was subsequently canceled, and the foundation upheld its policy of investing for maximum return.

2011: Relationship with Jeffrey Epstein Started

In 2011, Bill Gates's relationship with financier Jeffrey Epstein started, just a few years after Epstein was convicted for procuring a child for prostitution. Gates said about Epstein: "His lifestyle is very different and kind of intriguing although it would not work for me".

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 on Epstein Relationship

A 2019 New York Times article reported that Bill Gates's relationship with financier Jeffrey Epstein started in 2011, just a few years after Epstein was convicted for procuring a child for prostitution, and continued for some years.

2019: Melinda Consulted Divorce Attorneys

In 2019, Melinda Gates began meeting with divorce attorneys, with concerns including Bill Gates's ties with Jeffrey Epstein.

November 2020: Gates Favors Normalization of COVID-19 Masks

In a November 2020 interview, Bill Gates expressed his support for normalizing COVID-19 mask-wearing, comparing it to the social norm of wearing pants.

2020: Trump's Ban From Social Media

In 2020, after Facebook and Twitter banned Donald Trump from their platforms, Gates shared his views on the ban on February 18, 2021.

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

On February 18, 2021, following Donald Trump's ban from Facebook and Twitter after the January 6 Capitol attack related to the 2020 election, Bill Gates expressed that a permanent ban "would be a shame" and an "extreme measure", warning of potential political polarization.

April 2021: Gates Criticized for COVID-19 Vaccine Patent Stance

In April 2021, Bill Gates faced criticism for suggesting that pharmaceutical companies should retain patents for COVID-19 vaccines, raising concerns about vaccine access for poorer nations.

May 2021: Gates Steps Down Amidst Investigation

In May 2021, it was reported that Bill Gates stepped down from Microsoft's board before the completion of an investigation into an alleged inappropriate sexual relationship with a Microsoft employee, which began in late 2019.

August 2021: Gates' Statement on Epstein Meetings

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 added, "It was a huge mistake to spend time with him, to give him the credibility of being there."

2021: Shift in Public Opinion

In 2021, the announcement of the divorce between Bill and Melinda Gates, and the following details of romantic pursuits of women and a relationship with Jeffrey Epstein resulted in a deterioration of Bill Gates' public image.

September 2022: Politico Exposé on NGO Leadership

In September 2022, Politico published an exposé critical of NGO leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, written with Die Welt, which cited interconnections of non-profits with Gates and his lack of medical credentials.

2023: Epstein's Alleged Threat

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

October 2024: Gates Donates to Future Forward USA Action

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