The 40th annual World’s Billionaires List released by Forbes has stirred controversy after several individuals featured on the list were also mentioned in records related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
According to reports, the latest Forbes list includes 3,428 billionaires worldwide, and a number of them appear in documents linked to Epstein that were released by the US Department of Justice in December. The references vary in nature, but the connections have sparked renewed public scrutiny and debate.
Among the most notable names is Bill Gates, ranked the 19th richest person in the world with a net worth of about $108 billion. Emails cited in the documents suggested that Gates had visited Epstein’s residence in New York. Gates later described his association with Epstein as a “huge mistake”, stating that he neither participated in nor witnessed any illegal activities.
Steve Tisch, who ranks 1,193rd on the billionaires list with a fortune of $2.2 billion, also appeared in the files through reported email exchanges with Epstein. Following the controversy, Tisch expressed regret over the association and announced that he would transfer his ownership stake in the NFL franchise to his children.
Another name mentioned is Richard Branson, ranked 1,504th with a net worth of $2.8 billion. Reports claim Epstein visited Branson’s Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands in 2013, where the two reportedly socialized.
The documents also reference private equity billionaire Leon Black, who ranks 251st with an estimated fortune of $12.1 billion. Black previously stepped down from Apollo amid scrutiny over his financial ties with Epstein but has denied any misconduct.
Retail tycoon Les Wexner, ranked 402nd with a net worth of $8.8 billion, was also one of Epstein’s closest associates in the past and had even granted him power of attorney over financial matters before later distancing himself.
Other billionaires named in the reports include Reid Hoffman and hedge fund manager Glenn Dubin, both of whom reportedly had past interactions with Epstein.
While these mentions have reignited global discussions around Epstein’s network, experts note that appearing in the files does not automatically imply criminal wrongdoing, as many references stem from contact lists, emails, or travel records.