Justice Department Publishes Massive Epstein Document Cache The U.S. Justice Department made public more than three million pages of Epstein‑related correspondence on 30 January 2026, a release described as a “deflagration” in France [1]. The tranche, part of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, includes emails, images and videos linking Epstein to a wide network of political, cinematic and cultural figures in France and the United States [2][3][4][5][6]. Redactions protect victim identities, but the sheer volume has reignited global scrutiny of Epstein’s contacts and the transparency of the investigation [6].

French Public Figures Appear Without Trafficking Evidence Le Monde’s analysis of the newly released emails confirms that numerous French politicians, filmmakers and cultural leaders exchanged messages with Epstein, yet none are directly tied to his sexual‑trafficking operations [1]. The investigation found no documentary proof that French contacts facilitated or participated in illegal activity, though the correspondence raises questions about what they knew or ignored [1]. This finding contrasts with earlier speculation linking French elites to the scandal, underscoring the distinction between association and criminal involvement [1].

Bill Gates Acknowledges Limited Interaction and Expresses Regret Bill Gates told Nine News Australia on 4 February 2026 that every minute spent with Epstein was regrettable and that he apologized for the meetings [2][4]. He met Epstein in 2011, attended a handful of dinner gatherings over three years, and never visited Epstein’s Caribbean island, describing the purported fundraising promise as a “dead end” [2][3][6]. Gates’ spokesperson reiterated that he “unequivocally denies any improper conduct” and labeled the alleged STD claim as “absolutely absurd and completely false” [4][6].

Melinda French Gates Describes Painful Memories and Calls for Accountability In a preview for NPR’s “Wild Card” podcast, Melinda French Gates said the newly released files evoked “unbelievable sadness” and reminded her of “very, very painful times” in her marriage [3][4][5]. She emphasized that unanswered questions belong to those named in the documents, including her ex‑husband, and expressed hope for justice for Epstein’s victims [3][5]. French Gates also noted that society is undergoing a reckoning, but she distances herself from any direct involvement [5].

Draft 2013 Emails Remain Unsent, Claims Deemed False Two unsent draft messages dated 18 July 2013, saved in Epstein’s email account, allege that Gates contracted a sexually transmitted disease after “sex with Russian girls” and that Epstein was procuring medication for him [2][4][6]. Gates’ team called the drafts “never sent,” “false,” and a product of Epstein’s frustration and attempts to “entrap and defame” [2][4][6]. CNN noted the authorship of the drafts is unclear, and the documents have not been verified as authentic communications from Epstein [3].

Discrepancies Highlighted Across Reports Le Monde stresses the absence of trafficking links for French figures, while The Hindu and Newsweek label the incriminating email and STD allegation as false [1][2][5][6]. CNN points out uncertainty about who authored the 2013 drafts, and the BBC reports that Gates’ spokesperson described Epstein as a “disgruntled liar” [3][4]. These variations illustrate divergent interpretations of the same document set, though all agree on the massive scale of the release and the renewed public focus on Epstein’s network.