Key insights
- Warren Buffett revealed he hasn't spoken to Bill Gates since the Epstein files were released, citing a desire to avoid potential legal complications. While affirming their past friendship, Buffett emphasized the need for the situation to be resolved before resuming communication. The news highlights potential reputational risks for individuals associated with Epstein, but has limited direct financial implications for US equities.
Warren Buffett said on Tuesday that he has not spoken to Microsoft founder Bill Gates "since the whole thing" with the Jeffrey Epstein files "was unveiled."
"I haven't talked to him at all since the whole thing was unveiled," Buffett told CNBC's Becky Quick on "Squawk Box."
"I don't want to be in a position where I know things ... to be called as a witness," he added.
Asked if he was still good friends with Gates, Buffett spoke fondly of their history as friends.
But, Buffett added, "I think until it gets cleared up, it doesn't make sense to do a lot of talking."
"I don't want to be under oath," Buffett said in what were his first public comments about Gates since the Epstein files were released.
Buffett talked at length about the notorious sex offender Epstein, whose friendship with Gates and other high-profile people had led to damaging fallout for them as the details of their relationships have emerged with the release of the so-called Epstein files in recent months.
"It is astounding to me that anyone could be that successful as a con man," Buffett said.
"Men are going to like sex ... and some of them are going to like not paying taxes, and he figured out their weaknesses," Buffett said.
"That guy must have been the con man of all time," Buffett said. "He had a way of conning everybody."
He said that Gates could have invited him to New York to meet Epstein, but fortunately did not.
"I got him to thank for not doing that," Buffett said.
"But you can't get away from what happened either."