On Saturday, April 4, 2026, Warren Buffett revealed that his longstanding friendship with Bill Gates may be nearing an end due to recent revelations involving Gates' ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The news has raised significant concerns, not only about their personal relationship but also regarding Buffett's future contributions to the Gates Foundation. In a candid interview, Buffett admitted that he has not spoken to Gates since the Epstein connection came to light. He stated, "I haven’t talked to Bill at all since the whole thing was unveiled."

Buffett, who has committed billions of dollars to the Gates Foundation over the years, also hinted that these new revelations might cause him to reconsider continuing his donations, which have been a cornerstone of his philanthropic efforts since 2006. He made it clear that while he doesn’t believe Gates had any involvement in Epstein’s crimes, he feels the need to wait for more details before making any decisions about the future of his donations.

Buffett expressed his dismay at the situation, noting that his personal interactions with Gates have always been positive, but the current circumstances have created a deep sense of discomfort. He clarified that he did not feel involved in any wrongdoing related to the foundation’s operations, stating, “I didn’t have anything to do with it, except I put money in it.”

The philanthropist also shared his thoughts on how the situation could impact the larger world of charitable foundations, suggesting that changes in regulation might arise. "Foundations are peculiar," he noted, acknowledging the influence foundations hold in Washington and the potential for changes in their legal frameworks.

Buffett, while distancing himself from the ongoing controversy, made it clear that the Gates Foundation has done significant good in the world. Still, the Epstein affair has left him uncertain about the future of his ongoing commitment.