News Desk – Melinda Gates has reacted to the latest documents released in the Jeffrey Epstein case, which include serious claims involving her former husband, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. Speaking on an NPR podcast, Melinda said the revelations brought back painful memories and may have played a role in the end of their marriage.
“For me, it’s personally hard whenever those details come up,” she said. “Because it brings back memories of some very, very painful times in my marriage.”
Melinda Gates added that Bill Gates and others named in the Epstein files must answer for their alleged actions. “They need to answer to those things, not me,” she said.
She described feeling “unbelievable sadness” after the details resurfaced. “I left my marriage. I had to leave my marriage. I wanted to leave my marriage,” she said, adding that she also felt the need to eventually step away from the Gates Foundation.
Her comments drew attention online, with Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk sharing a clip of her interview on X with the caption, “wow.”
Melinda Gates said she has since moved on and expressed hope that the women — many of whom were minors at the time — would receive justice.
The renewed attention follows the release of millions of pages of documents by the US Justice Department related to Jeffrey Epstein. In these files, Epstein claimed in a 2013 email that Bill Gates had asked for antibiotics to treat a sexually transmitted disease allegedly contracted after encounters with “Russian girls.” The email also suggested Epstein helped Gates obtain medication and cover up personal matters.
In one draft email, Epstein accused Gates of trying to hide his actions and allegedly asking for medicines to be secretly given to Melinda Gates. Epstein also suggested that a public divorce could damage major charitable commitments.
Bill Gates has strongly denied all allegations. A spokesperson called the claims “absolutely absurd and completely false,” stating that the documents only reflect Epstein’s frustration and attempts to damage Gates’ reputation.
In the past, reports have said Epstein threatened to expose an alleged affair involving Gates after the billionaire declined to join a charity fund. Bill Gates has consistently maintained that his interactions with Epstein were limited to discussions around philanthropy.
The latest release includes several draft emails written by Epstein in July 2013, which have reignited public scrutiny and debate.
