Gates-Epstein Ties Expose Philanthropy's 'Hypocrisy' : Shared by Angela Raven Roberts

(Excerpted from an HDPI email)
"...questioning why there was no bigger outrage over the Epstein Files and the continuing misogyny and violence against women that is currently at astronomical levels from situations of conflict, to domestic levels to Social Media and the behaviour of public figures. In particular why the big philanthropic organizations and foundations were not coming out with some sort of statement and distancing. I am glad to see in today's DEVEX an article concurring with some of my feelings."

Angela

Gates-Epstein Ties Expose Philanthropy's 'Hypocrisy,' 

Michael Igoe Devex 

February 2026 

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Summary: 

Fresh document releases in the Epstein case are forcing an uncomfortable reckoning within global philanthropy. At a staff town hall, Bill Gates reportedly called his time with Epstein "a huge mistake" and apologized for bringing Gates Foundation executives into meetings with the convicted financier. But analysts say the deeper issue goes beyond one relationship: as aid budgets shrink and private foundations play an ever-larger role in shaping global health and development priorities, the moral foundations of philanthropic power are under scrutiny. The Gates Foundation awarded $4.5 billion in grants in 2025 and $5.4 billion the year before.

Quotes: 

"Hypocrisy is at the core of philanthropy, and we all have to come to terms with that." — Maribel Morey, historian of U.S. philanthropies. 

"What we're talking about here is structured inequality and how power and how hegemony reproduces itself. Philanthropy is deeply implicated in that." — Alex Evans, philanthropy consultant.

See also: 

As Gates' Epstein Connection Unnerves Staff, His Foundation Looks for a Way Forward 

Fortune Date: February 20, 2026 

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Summary: The Gates Foundation is navigating deep internal unease as fresh DOJ document releases keep Bill Gates' ties to Jeffrey Epstein in the headlines. 

At a staff town hall, Gates called the relationship "a huge mistake," apologized for bringing Foundation executives into meetings with the convicted sex offender, and insisted he "saw nothing illicit." Foundation CEO Mark Suzman told staff he felt "somewhat sullied" by any association with Epstein. 

The controversy arrives as the Foundation has committed to a record $9 billion annual payout and pledged to spend $200 billion over the next 20 years before closing in 2045 — making the reputational stakes especially high. Gates has denied all of Epstein's more lurid claims. Critics, however, argue the episode raises deeper questions about the role of private wealth in shaping global public health and development priorities, particularly as USAID cuts leave foundations with even greater influence. 

Quotes: "Every minute I spent with him I regret, and I apologize that I did that." — Bill Gates. 

"I feel somewhat sullied by just any association of Epstein with the work we do." — Mark Suzman, Gates Foundation CEO.