Elon Musk ripped Bill Gates over his ties to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after Gates criticized Musk over cuts to USAID funding.

Musk hit back at Gates on Tuesday during an interview at the Bloomberg Qatar Economic Forum. Gates had claimed that cuts to USAID, spearheaded by Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency, had placed children all over the world in danger.

“Who does Bill Gates think he is to make comments about the welfare of children” given his close ties to Jeffrey Epstein, Musk responded when asked about Gates’ comments. The quip elicited cheers and applause from some in the audience.

“I wouldn’t trust that guy to babysit my kids, I can tell you that,” Musk added.

Musk said of Gates’ assertion that the cuts to USAID are endangering children: “Show us any evidence whatsoever that that is true. It’s false.”

https://x.com/tomselliott/status/1924827130136813973

Gates met Epstein in 2013 and joined him for several dinners, Gates has said. Gates has since said that meeting with Epstein, who pleaded guilty to procuring a minor for prostitution and soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008, was a “huge mistake.”

The relationship yielded none of the benefits Gates had hoped for, namely to raise money for philanthropic causes. According to Gates’ ex-wife, the relationship also caused strains on his marriage. Gates and his wife divorced in 2021.

Musk’s comments were in response to remarks Gates made to the Financial Times in an article published earlier this month. Gates said that saving U.S. taxpayer money through cuts to USAID is “killing” children and leading them to contract HIV.

“The picture of the world’s richest man killing the world’s poorest children is not a pretty one,” Gates said. “I’d love for him to go in and meet the children that have now been infected with HIV because he cut that money.”

Actor George Wendt, best known for his portrayal as bar regular Norm Peterson for all 11 seasons of the legendary NBC sitcom “Cheers,” has died at the age of 76, his family announced on Tuesday.

“Beloved actor and comedian, George Wendt, best known for starring in the NBC hit comedy ‘Cheers,’ has passed away,” a statement from his rep said, per People. 

“George’s family confirmed the news of his death early Tuesday morning, announcing he died peacefully in his sleep while at home,” the statement continued. “George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him. He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time.”

Wendt is one of nine children. His sister Kathryn is the mother of actor and comedian Jason Sudeikis, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The actor hailed from Chicago and got his start with the famed improv comedy troupe Second City, also the launchpad for famous names like Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, John Candy, Steve Carell, Bill Murray, Chris Farley, and a host of others.

Wendt also appeared on “Saturday Night Live,” including his recurring role as Bob Swerski in the “Chicago Superfans” sketches. 

His movie acting credits include “Dreamscape” (1984), “House” (1985), “Fletch” (1985), “Gung Ho” (1986), “Plains Clothes” (1987), “Never Say Die” (1988), “Guilty by Suspicion” (1991), “Forever Young” (1992), and “Spice World” (1997).

Besides “Cheers,” Wendt’s TV appearances include “Seinfeld,” “The Simpsons,” “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” “Hot in Cleveland,” “Portlandia,” and “Fresh Off the Boat.” He had a self-titled show in 1995 that was canceled after one season. 

Wendt received Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for six consecutive years for “Cheers,” and though he never won, the role was beloved by fans. He became very close to castmates Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger, Kelsey Grammer, and Woody Harrelson.

When the series ended in 1993, Wendt’s wife told People that the “Cheers” cast really were friends in real life. “They get along like siblings. To somebody peeking in from the outside, they look like they’re having the greatest time in the world,” she said at the time.