OMAHA, Neb. (Diya TV) — Warren Buffett says he has cut off contact with longtime friend Bill Gates following renewed attention on the late financier Jeffrey Epstein and recently discussed files tied to his case. In a new interview, Buffett said he has not spoken to Gates since details linked to Epstein resurfaced in public discussions earlier this year. The billionaire investor made clear that he wants to avoid any legal or ethical complications.
“I don’t want to be in a position where I know things … and get called as a witness,” Buffett said.
Buffett, 94, is widely known as the “Oracle of Omaha.” He built his fortune as the longtime leader of Berkshire Hathaway. Over the decades, he also formed a close friendship with Gates, one of the world’s richest technology leaders.
The two men worked together on philanthropy. Buffett pledged to donate most of his wealth and has already given more than $43 billion to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which Gates co-founded with Melinda French Gates. Despite that history, Buffett now says the relationship has cooled. He explained that ongoing questions tied to Epstein make it difficult to maintain regular communication.
“It doesn’t make sense to do a lot of talking,” Buffett said, adding that he prefers to wait until matters are fully clarified.
The renewed attention comes after documents linked to Epstein were released earlier this year by the U.S. Department of Justice. The files included references to Gates and alleged communications involving the disgraced financier. Epstein, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, had connections with several high-profile figures. His relationships continue to draw public and media scrutiny. Some documents reportedly included a draft email written by Epstein in 2013 that mentioned Gates. Gates has denied the claims tied to that message. He said the email was never sent and described it as false.
“Apparently, Jeffrey wrote an email to himself,” Gates said in a previous interview. “I don’t know what his thinking was.”
Gates has acknowledged meeting Epstein in the past. However, he has repeatedly said he regrets those interactions. He also stated that he never visited Epstein’s private island. The tech executive has tried to distance himself from Epstein’s actions. He said he “regretted every minute” spent with him and emphasized that he had no involvement in any wrongdoing. Gates also apologized internally to staff for his past association with Epstein. He has maintained that his focus remains on global health and philanthropic work.
During the interview, Buffett spoke bluntly about Epstein. He described him as a manipulative figure who exploited people’s weaknesses.
“It is astounding to me that anyone could be that successful as a con man,” Buffett said.
He added that Epstein appeared to understand how to influence powerful individuals. Buffett suggested that Epstein used personal and financial vulnerabilities to build connections.
Buffett also said he feels fortunate that he never met Epstein in person. He noted that Gates could have introduced him during visits to New York.
“I’m lucky that never happened,” Buffett said.
He stressed that avoiding any direct connection has helped him stay clear of legal or reputational risks tied to the case.
Beyond the controversy, Buffett continues to focus on his long-term goal of giving away his wealth. He has pledged to donate 99% of his fortune rather than pass it down through generations. In a recent letter, Buffett explained his reasoning. He said he trusts his children but does not want to create a lasting financial dynasty.
“I never wished to create a dynasty,” he wrote. “Future generations are another matter.”
Buffett recently stepped back from his leadership role at Berkshire Hathaway, handing over responsibilities to Greg Abel. However, he remains active in philanthropy and public discussions.
