Melinda Gates breaks silence after Epstein Files reference Bill Gates

Melinda French Gates has said that new references to her former husband, Bill Gates, in recently released documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein have brought back painful memories from her marriage.

Speaking on NPR’s Wild Card podcast, Melinda French Gates said the renewed attention caused “deep sadness” and reminded her of difficult times. She said that anyone named in the documents, including her ex-husband, must answer questions about the claims themselves. 

Melinda and Bill Gates divorced in 2021 after 27 years of marriage.

She said the situation reflects a wider social awakening and stressed that no girl should ever be put in the kind of situation created by Epstein. Referring to her own children, she said the issue was especially painful to think about.

Melinda added that it is personally hard when such details resurface because they bring back memories of very difficult moments in her marriage. However, she said she has moved on and is relieved to be away from that period of her life.

The controversy follows the release of millions of records by the US Department of Justice. Some documents include allegations attributed to Epstein claiming that Bill Gates had a sexually transmitted infection. 

Gates has firmly denied the claim. His spokesperson described the allegation as completely false and said Epstein was an unreliable and dishonest source.

There have been no accusations of criminal wrongdoing against Bill Gates by Epstein’s victims, and his name appearing in the files does not suggest illegal activity.

According to BBC, the records include two emails dated 2013 that appear to have been written by Epstein. 

The emails were sent from Epstein’s own account to himself and do not show any direct link to Gates. One message is written like a resignation letter from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and includes unproven claims. The other accuses Gates of ending their friendship and makes further allegations.

Gates’ spokesperson said the documents show Epstein’s anger over losing contact with Gates and an attempt to harm his reputation.

The records, made public last week, reveal Epstein’s links with many powerful people in business, politics and entertainment, including some who stayed in touch with him after his 2008 conviction. Epstein died in 2019 in a New York jail while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges.