Melinda French Gates Says Epstein Mentions Stir ‘Painful’ Marriage Memories

Melinda French Gates says the release of newly unsealed U.S. Justice Department files involving Jeffrey Epstein has resurfaced “very painful times” from her marriage to Bill Gates, adding that those named in the documents must answer for any remaining questions. Speaking on NPR’s Wild Card podcast, she said she felt “unbelievable sadness” seeing her former husband referenced in the files and is “happy to be away from all the muck” following their 2021 divorce after 27 years of marriage.

The documents include allegations from Epstein claiming Bill Gates contracted a sexually transmitted infection — a claim Gates has strongly dismissed as fabricated. A spokesperson for the Microsoft co-founder called the statements “absolutely absurd and completely false,” noting they came from “a proven, disgruntled liar.” The CNI has sought comment from Gates’ representatives on Melinda’s remarks. Bill Gates has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing by Epstein’s victims, and his inclusion in the files does not suggest criminal activity.

French Gates acknowledged that revisiting the topic is emotionally difficult, saying that any outstanding questions should be directed at “those people and even my ex-husband,” not her. U.S. media previously reported that she had been deeply unsettled by Gates’ past contact with Epstein, whose network included numerous high-profile business, political and celebrity figures.

Gates has said in earlier interviews that he met Epstein several times to discuss a philanthropy initiative that never materialized, and has repeatedly minimized the relationship. After announcing their separation in 2021, Gates admitted to having had an extramarital affair with a Microsoft employee in 2019, which contributed to strain within the marriage.

Among the millions of pages released last week were two 2013 draft emails that appear to have been written by Epstein but were found only in his own account, without any corresponding emails to Bill Gates. In them, Epstein insinuates he procured medicine for Gates “to deal with the consequences of sex with Russian girls” and makes further unsourced claims about an alleged STI. The emails were unsigned, and it remains unclear whether they were ever sent.

A spokesperson for Gates said the drafts demonstrate only Epstein’s frustration that he “did not have an ongoing relationship with Gates and the lengths he would go to entrap and defame.” The massive release of files has revealed the extensive reach of Epstein’s network, which included connections that persisted even after his 2008 conviction for soliciting sex from a minor.

French Gates, who now leads her own philanthropic organization, said she intends to focus on her work rather than past controversies. Still, she acknowledged the emotional toll of seeing old allegations resurface, saying the memories tied to that chapter of her marriage “are very, very painful.