Buffett calls Gates-Epstein ties distasteful, says mistakes happen

Warren Buffett said Bill Gates’ association with Jeffrey Epstein was “distasteful,” but added that people can make mistakes and misjudge others. He made the comments in an interview with CNBC after deciding to change how he distributes his annual Berkshire Hathaway donations. Buffett said he reviewed information about Gates’ relationship with Epstein before moving the Gates Foundation out of his yearly giving plan. For years, the foundation had been the largest recipient of Buffett’s Berkshire stock donations, which have totaled more than $47 billion since 2006. The Berkshire chairman said he and Gates remain in contact and recently met in Omaha. He also said he is shifting more responsibility for his estate and charitable giving to his three children, who will oversee several family foundations. Buffett added that he is recovering well after recent leg surgery.