Bill Gates Warns Unchecked AI Could Cause Billion Deaths

Bill Gates warned in an NBC interview on September 27, 2026, that unchecked artificial intelligence could cause a billion deaths. The warning occurs as the Microsoft co-founder works to rebuild his public image following revelations about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Gates acknowledged meeting Epstein several times after 2011. He stated he associated with the financier because Epstein claimed he could provide connections to wealthy donors for global health initiatives. Gates noted he was "being aware that Epstein had faced prior legal issues" but claimed he did not understand the full extent of those issues.