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. He is recognized as a key figure in the microcomputer revolution and became a billionaire in 1987 after Microsoft's IPO. Gates was consistently ranked as the world's wealthiest person by Forbes for many years, reaching the position of the first centibillionaire in 1999. As of May 2025, his net worth is estimated at $115.1 billion, ranking him among the richest individuals globally.

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 the unauthorized copying of Microsoft Altair BASIC was undermining the incentive for professional software development.

1998: Testimony Against Software Industry Regulation

In 1998, Bill Gates testified before the United States Senate, arguing against the need for regulation of the software industry. He was reportedly upset during the FTC investigation of Microsoft in the 1990s.

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. He argued with examiner David Boies over the contextual meaning of words such as "compete", "concerned", and "we".

2007: Criticism of Foundation Investments

In 2007, the Los Angeles Times criticized the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for investing its assets in companies accused of worsening poverty and pollution. Although a review was announced, it was later 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.

March 2013: Met with Thorbjørn Jagland and Jeffrey Epstein

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

2013: Visit to Epstein's house with wife

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 relationship with Jeffrey Epstein

A 2019 New York Times article reported about Bill Gates's relationship with financier Jeffrey Epstein.

2020: Reference to the 2020 United States presidential election

In February 2021, Bill Gates referred to the 2020 United States presidential election, as a result of which Facebook and Twitter had banned Donald Trump from their platforms. He said that a permanent ban of Trump "would be a shame" and would be an "extreme measure".

February 18, 2021: Views on Trump's Social Media Bans

On February 18, 2021, after Facebook and Twitter banned Donald Trump, Bill Gates stated that a permanent ban "would be a shame" and "an extreme measure", fearing it would cause further political polarization.

April 2021: Criticism Over COVID-19 Vaccine Patents

In April 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bill Gates faced criticism for suggesting that pharmaceutical companies should retain patents for COVID-19 vaccines, potentially hindering access for poorer nations.

May 2021: Stepping Down Amidst Investigation

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

August 2021: Gates stated reason for 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. 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 after Divorce Announcement

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

September 2022: Politico Exposé Critical of NGO Leadership

In September 2022, Politico, in cooperation with Die Welt, published an exposé critical of NGO leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, including concerns about the interconnectivity of nonprofits with Gates and his lack of medical credentials.