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Melinda French Gates addresses Epstein documents
Philanthropist Melinda French Gates has described the resurfacing of her ex-husband Bill Gates' name in newly released files tied to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as a reminder of "painful times" in their marriage.
Emotional response to allegations
In an interview with NPR's Wild Card podcast, French Gates expressed deep sadness over the Epstein allegations, stating they evoked difficult memories. She emphasized that those named in the records-including her former spouse-must address the questions themselves.
"For me, it's personally hard whenever those details come up. It brings back memories of some very, very painful times in my marriage."
Melinda French Gates
She added that she no longer wants to engage with the controversy, saying, "I am so happy to be away from all the muck."
Bill Gates denies Epstein-linked claims
The documents, released by the U.S. Department of Justice, include an allegation from Epstein that Bill Gates contracted a sexually transmitted infection. Gates' spokesperson dismissed the claim as "absolutely absurd," attributing it to "a proven, disgruntled liar."
No victims of Epstein have accused Gates of wrongdoing, and his inclusion in the files does not suggest criminal activity. A representative for Gates stated that the records only reveal Epstein's frustration over their failed relationship and his attempts to "entrap and defame" Gates.
Historical tensions over Epstein association
U.S. media reports indicate that French Gates had previously expressed discomfort about her husband's ties to Epstein before their 2021 divorce, which ended their 27-year marriage. Following their separation, Gates acknowledged an affair with a Microsoft employee in 2019.
Among the released files are two unsent emails dated July 18, 2013, drafted by Epstein from his own account. One email, written as a resignation letter from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, alleges Gates sought medication for an infection allegedly acquired from "Russian girls." The other, addressed to "Bill," accuses him of ending their friendship and attempting to conceal a sexually transmitted disease from his then-wife.
Gates' past statements on Epstein
Gates has previously minimized his connection to Epstein, stating they met only for "several dinners" to discuss a philanthropic project that never materialized. The latest allegations have not resulted in legal action against him.
The trove of documents, totaling over three million files, highlights Epstein's extensive network, which included prominent figures in business, entertainment, and politics-some of whom maintained ties even after his 2008 conviction for soliciting sex from a minor.
Epstein died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges.
