DoJ Files Expose Deepak Chopra’s Epstein Contacts and Prompt Gates’ Summit Withdrawal

Updated 2026-02-23 10:00:34+00:00 (4 articles)

Image: BBC

Gates is currently in India and there was speculation over whether he would attend the summit amid a renewed scrutiny of his ties to Epstein (Getty Images) Source Full size
Image: BBC

Modi and Macron are among many world leaders and tech executives speaking at India's AI Impact Summit (Reuters) Source Full size

DOJ release details Chopra’s frequent Epstein interactions The Department of Justice “Epstein Library” contains hundreds of emails and texts showing Deepak Chopra visited Epstein’s New York townhouse, South Florida home, and Paris apartment between 2016 and 2019, contradicting his claim of limited contact [1]. The files also reveal a $50,000 grant from Epstein‑linked “Gratitude America” to the Chopra Foundation for scientific research [1]. Chopra later posted on X that he never engaged in criminal conduct, expressing regret for the tone of his past emails [1].

Messages reveal Chopra urging Epstein to bring young women In 2017 emails, Chopra asked Epstein to use a fake name and bring “girls” on trips to Israel and a Swiss workshop, describing Saudi Princess Ameerah Al‑Taweel as “v sweet – like your girls” [1]. He wrote flirtatious remarks about “cute girls” and even referenced Ivanka Trump as “a pretty girl” during a meditation session [1]. Business discussions included Chopra’s Jiyo co‑founder seeking Epstein’s help pitching to insurers and an “aura” app concept [1].

DOJ emails linking Gates to Epstein trigger summit cancellation The Justice Department released drafts showing Epstein coordinating meetings with Bill Gates and discussing Gates’s philanthropic work after Epstein’s 2008 conviction [3][4]. Hours before his scheduled speech, the Gates Foundation announced Gates would not deliver the keynote at the India AI Impact Summit on Feb 18, 2026, citing the need to keep the event’s focus on its priorities [2][4]. Gates and his spokesperson called the allegations “absurd and completely false,” with Gates expressing regret for any meetings with Epstein but denying illegal activity [2][3][4].

Summit continues with other leaders; Vora represents Gates Despite Gates’s withdrawal, the five‑day summit proceeds with speakers such as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Emmanuel Macron, UN chief António Guterres, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, and Mukesh Ambani [2]. Ankur Vora, president of the Gates Foundation’s Africa and India offices, will attend in Gates’s place, reaffirming the foundation’s commitment to health and development goals in India [2][3][4].

Sources

Related Tickers

Videos (1)

Timeline

2016‑2019 – Deepak Chopra frequently contacts Jeffrey Epstein, visiting Epstein’s New York townhouse, South Florida home and Paris apartment and exchanging flirtatious messages, as shown in DOJ “Epstein Library” emails and texts [2].

2008 – Jeffrey Epstein is convicted of prostitution, a background that later fuels scrutiny of Gates’s and Chopra’s ties [3].

Jan 2026 – The U.S. Department of Justice releases files linking Bill Gates to Epstein, revealing post‑2008 emails that coordinate meetings and discuss Gates’s philanthropic work [3][4].

Jan 2026 – Draft emails from Epstein’s account surface, alleging Epstein facilitated sexual encounters for Gates and helped conceal a sexually transmitted infection, intensifying public criticism [3].

Early Feb 2026 – Bill Gates spends a week in India meeting officials, including Andhra Pradesh chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, and thanks him on X for a “warm welcome” [3].

Feb 18, 2026 – Hours before his scheduled keynote at the India AI Impact Summit, Gates cancels his appearance, with the Gates Foundation saying the decision keeps focus on the summit’s key priorities [1][3][4].

Feb 18, 2026 – Gates’s spokesperson calls the allegations “absurd and completely false,” and Gates tells Nine News he regrets any meetings with Epstein but denies illegal activity [3].

Feb 18, 2026 – Ankur Vora, president of the Gates Foundation’s Africa and India offices, steps in to represent the foundation at the summit [1][3][4].

Feb 18‑22, 2026 – The India AI Impact Summit proceeds with high‑profile speakers—including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, French President Emmanuel Macron, UN chief António Guterres, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Mukesh Ambani—emphasizing AI democratization and investment pledges such as Microsoft’s [1].

Feb 21, 2026 (Day 4) – Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the summit, reinforcing India’s ambition to become a flagship AI hub despite earlier controversies like a robot‑dog malfunction and traffic complaints [1].

Feb 2026 – After the DOJ release, Deepak Chopra posts on X that he was never involved in criminal conduct, expresses sadness for victims, and admits his past emails “reflect poor judgment in tone” [2].

2026 onward – India aims to cement its role in the global AI ecosystem through the summit’s policy talks, startup showcases and investment pledges, positioning the country as a leading AI hub [1].

External resources (31 links)

Top Headlines

Feeds