Melinda French Gates Says Epstein Revelations Revived ‘Deeply Painful’ Memories From Marriage

Melinda French Gates has spoken publicly about the emotional impact of renewed scrutiny surrounding her former husband, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, after his name appeared in recently released U.S. court records linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

In an interview on NPR’s Wild Card podcast, the billionaire philanthropist said the disclosures reopened difficult chapters from her marriage, describing her reaction as one of “unbelievable sadness.”

“When details like this resurface, it’s personally very hard,” she said. “It brings back memories of some extremely painful moments in my marriage.”

Melinda French Gates speaks during a public appearance following the release of new Epstein-related court files.

Melinda French Gates added that those mentioned in the files must address the allegations themselves. “Any remaining questions are for those individuals — including my ex-husband — to answer. That is not my responsibility,” she said, adding that she is relieved to have distanced herself from what she described as “all the muck.”

The Gateses divorced in 2021 after 27 years of marriage.

Epstein Files and Gates’ Response

The comments follow the release of more than three million documents by the U.S. Department of Justice related to Epstein, who died in custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. Among the files are emails attributed to Epstein that include unverified and inflammatory claims involving Bill Gates.

One allegation suggests Gates contracted a sexually transmitted disease — a claim his representatives have categorically denied. “These claims — from a proven, disgruntled liar — are absolutely absurd and completely false,” a spokesperson for Bill Gates said.

Bill Gates has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing by Epstein’s victims, and his inclusion in the documents does not indicate illegal activity.

The emails in question, dated July 2013, appear to have been drafted by Epstein and sent from his own email account back to itself. There is no evidence the messages were ever sent to or received by Gates, and they are unsigned.

Past Tensions and Public Fallout

U.S. media have previously reported that Melinda French Gates had expressed concern over her husband’s association with Epstein prior to their separation. Following the announcement of the divorce, Bill Gates acknowledged having had an affair with a Microsoft employee in 2019.

Gates has consistently minimized his relationship with Epstein, saying they met only a handful of times to discuss a potential philanthropic initiative that never materialized.

Responding to the latest document release, a spokesperson for Gates said the materials highlight Epstein’s frustration over the lack of an ongoing relationship. “They show the lengths Epstein was willing to go to in order to entrap and defame,” the statement said.

The newly released records offer further insight into Epstein’s extensive network of prominent figures in business, politics and entertainment — relationships that, in some cases, continued even after his 2008 conviction for soliciting sex from a minor.