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. He held various leadership positions at Microsoft, including CEO and chief software architect, and was a key figure in the microcomputer revolution. He remained Microsoft's largest individual shareholder until 2014. Gates is now primarily focused on philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
February 1976: Wrote "An Open Letter to Hobbyists"
In February 1976, Bill Gates wrote "An Open Letter to Hobbyists" expressing his concern about software piracy.
1998: Rejection of software industry regulation
In 1998, Bill Gates testified before the United States Senate, rejecting the need for regulation of the software industry.
1998: United States v. Microsoft Case
In 1998, during the United States v. Microsoft case, Bill Gates provided deposition testimony that was characterized by several journalists as evasive, arguing with examiner David Boies over the contextual meaning of words. The judge was later seen laughing and shaking his head when portions of the videotaped deposition were played back in court.
2007: Criticism for Foundation's Investment Practices
In 2007, The Los Angeles Times criticized the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for investing in companies accused of worsening poverty and pollution.
2011: Relationship with Jeffrey Epstein Started
In 2011, Bill Gates's relationship with 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 Thorbjørn Jagland and Jeffrey Epstein
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.
October 2013: International Peace Institute Grant
In October 2013, representatives of the International Peace Institute, which has received millions in grants from the Gates Foundation, including a $2.5 million "community engagement" grant, were in attendance with Gates and Epstein discussing the Nobel Prize.
2013: Visit to Epstein's house with his wife
In the fall of 2013, Bill Gates visited Jeffrey Epstein's house with his wife, despite her declared discomfort.
2019: Gates denies connection between Epstein and Gates Foundation
In 2019, Bill Gates completely denied any connection between Jeffrey Epstein and the Gates Foundation or his philanthropy generally.
2019: New York Times article on Jeffrey Epstein Relationship
In 2019, a New York Times article reported that Bill Gates's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein started in 2011 and continued for some years.
2020: Donald Trump's Social Media Ban
In 2020 Donald Trump was banned from Social Media after the United States Presidential Election
February 18, 2021: Statement on Donald Trump's social media ban
On February 18, 2021, Bill Gates commented that a permanent ban of Donald Trump from social media platforms would be a "shame" and could cause polarization.
April 2021: Criticism over COVID-19 vaccine patents
In April 2021, Bill Gates faced criticism for suggesting pharmaceutical companies should hold onto patents for COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic, raising concerns about vaccine access for poorer nations.
May 2021: Reported reason for stepping down from Microsoft board
In May 2021, it was reported that Bill Gates stepped down from Microsoft's board before the completion of an investigation into alleged inappropriate conduct.
August 2021: Meetings with Epstein was a mistake
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."
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.
