Melinda French Gates once again spoke publicly about one of the most painful chapters of her personal life.
In a preview of an upcoming NPR interview shared Tuesday, the philanthropist confessed that seeing the name of her ex-husband, Bill Gates, linked to Jeffrey Epstein ‘s files stirred up deeply painful memories of her marriage and the reasons behind her decision to separate.
During the released clip, French Gates hinted that Bill Gates’ relationship with Epstein directly influenced the deterioration of her marriage. She claimed that the recent allegations and documents filled her with sadness and forced her to relive particularly difficult moments in her personal life. “They had to do with reasons why I had to leave that marriage,” she expressed, without going into explicit details, but making clear the emotional burden that still lingers.
Bill Gates’ name in court documents
The Microsoft co-founder was mentioned in the latest batch of Epstein files released by the U.S. Department of Justice late last week. The documents include emails that Epstein sent to himself, making claims of possible illegal conduct.
One of those emails alleges that Gates had requested antibiotics to treat a sexually transmitted disease, allegedly with the intention of covertly administering them to French Gates. However, the documents clarify that these emails were addressed to Gates, but were never sent directly to him.
In the face of Melinda French Gates’ statements, a spokesperson for Bill Gates issued a statement to NPR categorically rejecting the allegations. “These claims are absolutely absurd and completely false,” he said. According to the spokesperson, the documents only evidence Epstein’s frustration at his failure to maintain an ongoing relationship with Gates, as well as the lengths to which he would have gone to defame and set him up.
“They have to answer for those things.”
French Gates was clear that everyone involved in the allegations must be held accountable. “They have to answer for those things,” she said, while expressing relief to be “away from all the crap that was there.” She also assured that she is currently going through a positive moment in her life, marked by stability and new priorities.
Bill and Melinda Gates married in 1994 and, in 2000, together founded the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which became the largest private philanthropic organization in the world. After announcing their divorce in May 2021, the couple reported that they would continue to collaborate in the foundation. However, Melinda stepped down as co-chair in June 2024, at which point the institution was renamed the Gates Foundation.
Last May, Bill Gates announced a donation of 200 billion dollars for the next 20 years and established 2045 as the year in which the foundation will conclude its operations. After the divorce, Melinda French Gates received a significant portion of her ex-husband’s fortune, and her current estate is estimated at $29.6 billion, according to Forbes.
Although Bill Gates has acknowledged that he regrets his relationship with Epstein, he has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. The full interview with Melinda French Gates will be broadcast this Thursday on NPR.
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