Bill Gates has pulled out of delivering his keynote address at an AI summit in India Thursday, his foundation said, as the billionaire faces scrutiny over his ties to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
“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 Gates Foundation said in a statement just hours before he was due to speak.
No reason was provided for the abrupt withdrawal.
CNN has reached out to the Gates Foundation, the Gates Foundation India and the summit organizers for comment.
The Microsoft founder has come under fire in recent weeks…