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Melinda French Gates has addressed the release of newly unsealed documents connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein that reference her former husband, Bill Gates, saying the revelations have resurfaced deeply painful memories from their marriage and renewed concern for Epstein's victims.
The documents, released last week by the U.S. Department of Justice, include years-old draft emails Epstein wrote to himself in which he made allegations involving the Microsoft co-founder. One 2013 draft claimed Gates sought help after allegedly contracting a sexually transmitted infection following encounters with "Russian girls," and suggested he wanted antibiotics to give to his wife without her knowledge. Bill Gates' spokesperson has strongly denied the allegations, calling them "absolutely absurd and completely false," and arguing they reflect Epstein's attempts to "entrap and defame" Gates after failing to maintain a relationship with him.
French Gates discussed the latest developments during an appearance on NPR's Wild Card podcast, where she spoke broadly about Epstein's abuse of young women and the network of influential figures around him. She said the renewed attention has been emotionally difficult, explaining that it brings back "memories of some very, very painful times in my marriage." She added that she has since moved on and intentionally left that chapter behind her.
Addressing questions about Gates' presence in the files, French Gates said responsibility lies with those named, stating, "Whatever questions remain there — I can't even begin to know all of it — those questions are for those people and for even my ex-husband. They need to answer to those things, not me." She also said she feels relief at having distanced herself from that period of her life, noting she is "so happy to be away from all the muck that was there."
French Gates emphasized her empathy for Epstein's victims, describing the situation as heartbreaking and saying no girl should ever have been placed in such circumstances. She described feeling "unbelievable sadness" when thinking about what the young girls endured, particularly as they now speak publicly about their experiences.
Melinda and Bill Gates announced their divorce in 2021 after 27 years of marriage. French Gates has previously said she was troubled by Bill Gates' interactions with Epstein, which she later cited as a contributing factor to the end of their relationship. Bill Gates has acknowledged meeting Epstein in the past, calling it a mistake and maintaining the interactions were related to philanthropy. He has not been accused of any crime in connection with Epstein's offenses.
The full Wild Card episode featuring French Gates is set to air on February 5.
