Melinda French Gates has publicly addressed her mention in the latest batch of Jeffrey Epstein files, speaking candidly about the emotional impact and responding to allegations linked to her ex-husband, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.
The 61-year-old philanthropist, who shares three children with Gates, appeared on NPR’s Wild Card podcast this week, where host Rachel Martin questioned her about the Epstein case following the release of millions of documents by the US Department of Justice.
Melinda Gates described the renewed attention on the case as part of a broader societal reckoning, saying it resurfaced “very, very painful times” from her marriage.
“But I have moved on from that. I purposely pushed it away and I moved on,” she said. “I’m in a really unexpected, beautiful place in my life.”
She added that any unresolved questions surrounding the Epstein matter should be directed at those involved, including her former husband.
“Those questions are for those people and for even my ex-husband. They need to answer to those things, not me,” she said.
Melinda and Bill Gates announced their divorce in May 2021 after 27 years of marriage.
During the interview, Martin referenced a draft email Epstein allegedly wrote on July 18, 2013, in which Melinda Gates is mentioned by name. The email suggests claims of alleged affairs involving Bill Gates and an attempt to obtain medication for a sexually transmitted infection without her knowledge.
Asked about her emotional response after reading reports on the email, Melinda Gates said she felt “just unbelievable sadness.”
“I’m able to take my own sadness and look at those young girls and say, ‘My God, how did that happen to those girls?’” she said.
She added that while she has been able to move forward, she hopes justice is served for the victims.
“At least for me, I’ve been able to move on in life, and I hope there’s some justice for those now women.”
A spokesperson for Bill Gates strongly denied the allegations contained in the email, calling them “absolutely absurd and completely false.” The spokesperson said the documents reflect Epstein’s frustration over not having an ongoing relationship with Gates and accused Epstein of attempting to defame him.
Bill Gates has previously acknowledged meeting Epstein, stating in a 2021 PBS interview that the encounters were intended to discuss global health funding. He later described those meetings as “a mistake.”
Melinda Gates stepped down from the Gates Foundation in May 2024.
The email was among more than three million documents released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law in November. The files include emails, court records, and photographs referencing numerous high-profile individuals, including President Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton, and Elon Musk.
Authorities have emphasized that being named in the documents does not constitute evidence of wrongdoing.
Brendan Rascius contributed to this report.
