Billionaire Bill Gates has pulled out of the India Artificial Intelligence (AI) summit after the most recent release of the Epstein files. Additionally, former Prince Andrew of the United Kingdom, who has been stripped of his titles and is now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has been arrested over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Gates arrived in India a few days before he was scheduled to talk as the keynote speaker.
So far, Gates has met top elected officials in the state of Andhra Pradesh to discuss projects implemented by his foundation. Pressure is continually mounting over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, making his stay in India contentious at best.
“After careful consideration, and to ensure the focus remains on the AI Summit’s key priorities, Mr. Gates will not be delivering his keynote address,” the foundation said on Thursday.
Allegations surfaced in the Espetein files that Gates knew he had contracted a sexually transmitted disease and hid the information from his then-wife, Melinda Gates.
According to a report by RT, rumors began circulating on Tuesday that he would not speak at the event, prompting the Gates Foundation to insist that the billionaire, who divorced in the aftermath of his exposure as a close confidant of Epstein, would attend and address the summit.
Gates is not the only high-profile individual facing backlash over his ties to Epstein. Former Prince Andrew’s arrest has been noteworthy as well. The authorities are investigating Andrew in light of an allegation claiming that he shared confidential information with the late Jeffrey Epstein while acting as a trade envoy for the U.K.
A team of police officers arrived at Andrew’s residence, where he is staying on King Charles’ Sandringham estate in Norfolk, on the morning of Thursday, February 19th. This was also Andrew’s 66th birthday.
According to a report by the BBC, he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Both Gates and former prince Andrew deny all allegations against them regarding Jeffrey Epstein and their dealing with the late financier. A spokesperson for Gates has called claims in the files “absolutely absurd and completely false.” The billionaire has said he “regrets” knowing Epstein.