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 who co-founded Microsoft with Paul Allen in 1975, becoming a central figure in the microcomputer revolution. He led Microsoft to become a dominant force in the software industry and became the youngest billionaire in 1987 following the company's IPO. For many years, Gates was ranked as the world's wealthiest person by Forbes, even becoming the first centibillionaire. As of May 2025, he is the thirteenth-richest person globally, with a net worth of $113 billion.

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 hadn't paid for it and the hobby market endangered software development.

1998: United States v. Microsoft Case

In 1998, during the United States v. Microsoft case, Bill Gates gave deposition testimony that was characterized as evasive, arguing over the meaning of words such as 'compete'.

2007: Los Angeles Times Criticizes Gates Foundation Investments

In 2007, the Los Angeles Times criticized the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for investing its assets in companies that have been accused of worsening poverty and pollution. While a review of investments was announced, it was canceled, and the foundation upheld its policy of investing for maximum return.

2011: Relationship with Jeffrey Epstein Begins

In 2011, Bill Gates' relationship with Jeffrey Epstein started, just a few years after Epstein was convicted for procuring a child for prostitution. Gates said in 2011 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 to discuss the Nobel Prize at his residence in Strasbourg, France.

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 Jeffrey Epstein Relationship

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

2019: Denial of Connection

In 2019, Bill Gates completely denied any connection between Jeffrey Epstein and the Gates Foundation or his philanthropy generally.

2019: Melinda Gates Consults Divorce Attorneys

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

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

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

April 2021: Gates Criticized for Suggesting Pharmaceutical Companies Hold COVID-19 Vaccine Patents

In April 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bill Gates was criticized for suggesting that pharmaceutical companies should hold onto patents for COVID-19 vaccines, which raised concerns about vaccine access for poorer nations.

May 2021: Gates Stepped Down Before Microsoft Board Finished Investigation Into Alleged Inappropriate Relationship

In May 2021, The Wall Street Journal reported that Bill Gates stepped down before Microsoft's board finished its investigation into Gates's alleged inappropriate sexual relationship with a Microsoft employee, which an external law firm had begun probing in late 2019.

August 2021: Meetings with Epstein

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.

2021: Shift in Public Opinion Due to Divorce

In 2021, the announcement of Bill and Melinda Gates's divorce led to a further shift in public opinion, with information surfacing about romantic pursuits and a friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.

September 2022: Politico Exposé Critical of NGO Leadership

In September 2022, Politico published an exposé, in cooperation with Die Welt, critical of NGO leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic response. Criticisms included the interconnectivity of non-profits with Gates.