Melinda French Gates Reacts to New Epstein Files Linking Bill Gates, Sparks Public Outcry

Updated 2026-02-04 03:03:13+00:00 (6 articles)

Image: AP

Source Full size
Image: Newsweek

INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 13: Bill Gates and Melinda Gates seen at the 2025 BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 13, 2025 in Indian Wells, California. Credit: hoo-me.com/MediaPunch /IPX Source Full size
Image: BBC

L-R: Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Sarah Ferguson and Ehud Barak (Getty Images) Source Full size
Image: Newsweek

Microsoft co-founder and US philanthropist Bill Gates gestures as he speaks during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 21, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. Source Full size
Image: BBC

AFP via Getty Images Source Full size
Image: BBC

AFP via Getty Images Source Full size
Image: BBC

L-R: Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Sarah Ferguson and Ehud Barak (Getty Images) Source Full size
Image: Newsweek

INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 13: Bill Gates and Melinda Gates seen at the 2025 BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 13, 2025 in Indian Wells, California. Credit: hoo-me.com/MediaPunch /IPX Source Full size
Image: Newsweek

Microsoft co-founder and US philanthropist Bill Gates gestures as he speaks during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 21, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. Source Full size

Melinda French Gates describes the files as a painful reminder On NPR’s Wild Card podcast, Melinda French Gates said the newly released DOJ documents caused “unbelievable sadness” and brought back “very, very painful times” from her 27‑year marriage to Bill Gates, which ended in 2021 [1][2]. She emphasized that accountability lies with those directly involved, not with her, and noted she has moved forward from those memories [2]. The interview resurfaced social‑media clips of her 2022 CBS conversation condemning Epstein and Bill Gates [2].

Justice Department’s massive disclosure provides context but includes unverified drafts The DOJ made public over three million pages, 180 000 images and 2 000 videos on Jan 30, 2026, the largest release under the Epstein Files Transparency Act [3][6]. Among the material are two unsigned July 2013 email drafts from Epstein’s account that allege Bill Gates concealed a sexually transmitted infection and reference a resignation from the Gates Foundation; no Gates‑authored email appears, and the drafts were never sent [1][3][5]. Officials warned the batch may contain sensationalist or false claims, urging caution in interpreting the content [5][6].

Bill Gates’ spokesperson categorically denies the STD allegation In response to the drafts, a Gates spokesperson called the claim “absolutely absurd and completely false,” describing Epstein as a “disgruntled liar” attempting to defame the philanthropist [1][4][5]. The spokesperson stressed that no criminal accusations have been filed against Bill Gates and that the documents do not prove wrongdoing [1][5]. Both the BBC and Newsweek reported the same denial, underscoring the lack of evidence linking Gates to any infection [1][5].

Other high‑profile figures appear in the files, prompting mixed reactions The releases also name Elon Musk, former President Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew, Richard Branson, and several U.S. officials, each issuing statements ranging from denial to calls for prosecution [3][4]. Musk’s 2012 email asking about the “wildest party” on Epstein’s island contradicts his later claim of refusing any invitation, leading him to label the messages a smear attempt [3][4]. Branson’s “bring your harem” comment was clarified as referring to three adult team members, not a literal harem [3][4].

Lawmakers question the partial nature of the release Democratic Representative Ro Khanna highlighted that only a fraction of the identified material—about 3.5 million pages—has been published, while millions remain withheld, raising concerns about transparency [5][6]. The DOJ noted that redactions protect victim privacy, but critics argue the withheld files could contain further evidence of wrongdoing by prominent individuals [5][6].

Sources

Timeline

Dec 2012 – Howard Lutnick, then U.S. Secretary of Commerce, receives an invitation to Jeffrey Epstein’s Caribbean island, plans to attend with his family, and later describes Epstein as “gross” and says he cut ties decades ago [3].

2012 – Elon Musk exchanges emails with Epstein about transporting guests to the island, asking how many people need a helicopter and which night hosts the “wildest party”; Musk later claims he refused any invitation and posts in 2025 that the emails could be used to “smear my name” [2][3].

July 2013 – Unsigned draft emails saved in Epstein’s account appear, one resembling a resignation letter from the Gates Foundation and another accusing Bill Gates of hiding a sexually transmitted infection; Gates’s spokesperson later calls the claims “absolutely absurd and completely false” [1][5].

2013 – Richard Branson emails Epstein saying he can meet “as long as you bring your harem,” later clarified by Virgin as referring to three adult team members, and urges Epstein to seek Bill Gates’s endorsement [3].

2018 – Steve Bannon exchanges friendly texts with Epstein, discussing politics, a documentary to improve Epstein’s reputation, and Epstein’s messages about President Trump’s anxiety [6].

Mar 2019 – Bannon requests Epstein to supply his plane in Rome, as documented in DOJ files, highlighting Epstein’s logistical support for political allies [6].

2021 – Bill and Melinda French Gates finalize their divorce after 27 years of marriage, a personal backdrop for Melinda’s later remarks on the Epstein files [1].

2022 – Melinda French Gates gives a CBS interview with Gayle King condemning Epstein and Bill Gates’s meetings; clips of this interview go viral on Threads in 2026 when the new files surface [4].

Jan 30, 2026 – The Justice Department releases over three million pages of Epstein‑related documents, including 180 000 images and 2 000 videos, fulfilling the Epstein Files Transparency Act and marking the largest government disclosure of the case [2][6].

Jan 31, 2026 – Bill Gates, through a spokesperson, denies the alleged STD claim, labeling it “absolutely absurd and completely false” and describing Epstein as a “disgruntled liar,” while the DOJ notes the release brings the total to nearly 3.5 million pages and warns some material may be sensationalist [5][6].

Jan 31, 2026 – Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna questions why half of the identified pages remain withheld, urging congressional oversight of the DOJ’s partial release of over six million identified files [5].

Feb 3, 2026 – Victims outraged after the DOJ briefly posts unredacted nude photos of survivors online before removing them, raising concerns over victim privacy in the massive dump [3].

Feb 3, 2026 – New reporting shows former President Donald Trump appears hundreds of times in FBI‑compiled tip lists within the files; Trump denies any wrongdoing and says he cut ties with Epstein decades ago [2][3].

Feb 4, 2026 – Melinda French Gates appears on NPR’s “Wild Card” podcast, describing “unbelievable sadness” and “very, very painful times” revived by the files, and asserts that accountability lies with those involved, not herself [1][4].

Feb 4, 2026 – Elon Musk posts on X reiterating that the 2012 emails could be used to “smear my name” and calls for prosecution of those who committed serious crimes with Epstein, reinforcing his denial of any island attendance [2].

External resources (43 links)

Top Headlines

Feeds