Epstein allegedly asked Gates how “to get rid of poor people”: DOJ file

• A 2011 email unsealed in February 2026 reveals Epstein allegedly asked Bill Gates, "how do we get rid of poor people as a whole," a remark producer Barry Josephson followed up on in a thread that disturbingly pivoted to a 16-year-old girl.

Recent releases from the US Department of Justice have renewed scrutiny of Jeffrey Epstein’s network, including a 2011 email that references a conversation between Epstein and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.

In the message, dated February 4, 2011, Hollywood producer Barry Josephson wrote to Epstein: “I’ve been thinking a lot about that question that you asked Bill Gates, ‘how do we get rid of poor people as a whole’ and I have an answer/comment regarding that for you.”

The email was part of a larger tranche of over three million pages unsealed under the Epstein Files Transparency Act in early February 2026.

Josephson’s note appears in a thread initially focused on Epstein’s “niece,” a 16-year-old described in New York whose mother’s contact details were shared for a potential film role.

Epstein replied by acknowledging the population remark and suggesting Josephson raise his “answer” directly with Gates at an upcoming meeting.

The exchange then abruptly shifted back to the minor, heightening the disturbing tone of the correspondence.

No direct quote from Gates appears in the released documents, and the phrasing is attributed solely to Epstein’s reported question.

Gates has repeatedly described his post-2008 meetings with Epstein—several dinners in New York and elsewhere—as a “huge mistake” aimed at securing philanthropic introductions.

He has stated that Epstein promised connections to other ultra-wealthy donors for global health initiatives but delivered nothing of value.

Gates has denied visiting Epstein’s island, attending any parties, or engaging in illegal activity, insisting the association ended when it became clear the promised funding network was illusory.

In response to the latest file release, Gates reiterated through spokespeople that allegations of deeper involvement, including unverified 2013 draft emails written by Epstein to himself, are “absolutely false” and “absurd.”

He expressed regret, saying he was “foolish” to spend any time with Epstein and that he is “one of many people who regret ever knowing him.”

The Gates Foundation has invested billions in vaccines, disease eradication, and economic mobility programs, particularly in developing countries.

Gates’ 2010 TED talk on reducing population growth through better healthcare has long fueled conspiracy theories, though he has consistently framed the remarks as promoting voluntary family planning and child survival, not depopulation.

Epstein, by contrast, maintained documented interests in eugenics and transhumanist projects at his New Mexico ranch.

Critics have seized on the Josephson email as evidence of casual elite discussions about global inequality that border on eugenics.