A claim circulating on social media platforms alleges that a newly released batch of Jeffrey Epstein-related files reveals that Bill Gates discussed a so-called “strain pandemic simulation” with Jeffrey Epstein as early as 2017. However, our fact-check found this claim to be false with no substantial evidence.
Social Media Posts
The viral posts typically claim that newly released “Epstein files” include evidence of communications between Gates and Epstein regarding a “strain pandemic simulation” prior to COVID-19. The claim has circulated on X and Facebook, with some interpretations suggesting that Gates was involved in planning or simulating a pandemic with Epstein. This claim emerged after the U.S. Department of Justice released millions of pages from Epstein investigations on January 30, 2026.
Fact Check
What the January 30, 2026 Epstein Files Contain
According to reporting by Anadolu Agency, the Justice Department’s January 30, 2026 release consists of more than three million pages of material related to Epstein investigations, including emails, contact lists, interview summaries, and internal notes. Among these materials are draft emails Epstein wrote to himself in July 2013, which contain unverified personal allegations about Gates, including claims of extramarital encounters with “Russian girls,” an alleged sexually transmitted infection, and seeking antibiotics without his then-wife’s knowledge. Multiple outlets note that these are Epstein’s own unsent draft notes with no supporting evidence.
A review of the released documents shows no references to pandemic simulations, virus planning, or health-related discussions involving Gates and Epstein. Live reporting and document reviews by Forbes confirm that, despite the volume of material and high-profile names referenced, there is no evidence in the files supporting the viral claim.
Following the release, Gates’ spokesperson issued a strong denial, calling the claims “absolutely absurd and completely false” in statements reported by Business Insider. The spokesperson added that the documents only demonstrate Epstein’s frustration at not having an ongoing relationship with Gates. While Gates has previously acknowledged that meeting Epstein was a “huge mistake,” no new personal statements emerged in response to the January 2026 file release (Source).
Do the Epstein Files Mention Viruses or Pandemic Simulations?
In addition to reviewing media reporting, we conducted independent searches of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Epstein document database using keywords including “pandemic,” “simulation,” “virus,” “COVID,” “strain,” and “health emergency.” These searches returned no documents linking Bill Gates and Jeffrey Epstein to discussions about pandemics, virus simulations, or public health planning. The DOJ’s Epstein records are publicly accessible here.
A BBC analysis of the DOJ release explains that the materials include correspondence involving various political figures, psychological evaluations of Epstein, information related to Ghislaine Maxwell, and previously unreleased images and videos.
Misuse of Event 201 and Pandemic Preparedness Narratives
The “strain pandemic simulation” language used in viral posts appears similar to earlier claims about Event 201, a public pandemic preparedness exercise held in October 2019 and funded in part by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Reuters and USA Today have previously debunked claims suggesting that Event 201 was evidence that COVID-19 was planned or that Gates orchestrated pandemics through vaccines. The exercise was publicly announced, focused on preparedness and response, and did not predict or plan the COVID-19 pandemic. None of these narratives have any documented connection to Epstein, and they predate the 2026 DOJ release by several years.
Conclusion
The claim that newly released Epstein files show Bill Gates discussed a “strain pandemic simulation” with Jeffrey Epstein is false. No evidence in the January 30, 2026 DOJ release supports this allegation. While the files do contain unverified draft emails by Epstein making personal allegations about Gates, none mention pandemic planning, virus simulations, or any health-related discussions between the two men.
Title:No Evidence Epstein Files Show Bill Gates Discussed “Strain Pandemic Simulation” With Jeffrey Epstein
Fact Check By: Pranpreeya PResult: False
