Warren Buffett has revealed he has cut off contact with Bill Gates following the explosive release of files linked to Jeffrey Epstein.

The billionaire investor said he has not spoken to the Microsoft co-founder 'at all' since details of Gates' past association with the disgraced financier resurfaced.

'I haven't talked to him at all since the whole thing was unveiled,' Buffett said in an interview on CNBC.

'I don't want to be in a position where I know things… to be called as a witness,' Buffett added.

When asked whether he remained close friends with Gates, Buffett spoke warmly about their longstanding friendship.  

However, Buffett added that 'until things are resolved, it's not wise to say much.'

'I'd rather not be under oath,' he said, in his first public remarks about Gates since the Epstein files came to light. 

Buffett also delivered a scathing assessment of Epstein, describing him as a master manipulator who preyed on the weaknesses of powerful men. More and more details of his ties to prominent figures like Gates have have surfaced with the recent release of the so-called Epstein files.

'It is astounding to me that anyone could be that successful as a con man,' Buffett said.

'Men are going to like sex... and some of them are going to like not paying taxes, and he figured out their weaknesses,' Buffett said.

'That guy must have been the con man of all time,' Buffett said. 'He had a way of conning everybody.'

Buffett added that Gates might have invited him to New York to meet Epstein, but fortunately never did.

'I got him to thank for not doing that,' Buffett said. 'But you can't get away from what happened either.'

Gates's past ties to disgraced financier Epstein have come roaring back into the spotlight following the release of the Epstein files, which shed fresh light on his network of powerful contacts. 

The documents have revived questions about why Gates continued meeting Epstein in the years after his 2008 conviction, including visits to his homes. 

Gates has previously insisted the encounters were tied to philanthropy, but has admitted it was a serious error in judgment.