Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has cancelled his scheduled keynote address at the AI Impact Summit in India, amid renewed public scrutiny over his past association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.Gates had travelled to India earlier in the week, where the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation collaborates with the government on initiatives leveraging artificial intelligence for social good.
He had been billed as a keynote speaker at the high-profile summit, expected to address delegates shortly after India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.The event also brought together global figures including French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian business magnate Mukesh Ambani.
However, hours before he was due to speak on Thursday morning, Gates abruptly withdrew from the program.In a statement, the Gates Foundation said:“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.”While no direct link was made in the official statement, the cancellation comes as questions continue to surface globally about Gates’ past meetings with Epstein. Gates has previously acknowledged that meeting Epstein was a mistake and stated that he regrets the association.
The withdrawal has sparked debate online and among political observers, with critics questioning whether mounting scrutiny influenced the decision. Supporters, however, argue the move was aimed at preventing distractions from the summit’s agenda on artificial intelligence and development.
The AI Impact Summit continues as scheduled, with discussions centered on innovation, ethics, and AI-driven solutions for emerging economies.
