What did Melinda French Gates say about Epstein emails?

Melinda French Gates has spoken out regarding newly released emails connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein that mention her ex-husband, Bill Gates. In an interview on NPR’s Wild Card podcast on Tuesday, she emphasized that any questions surrounding her ex-husband’s alleged behavior should be answered by him, not her.

“For me, it’s personally hard whenever those details come up,” French Gates said. “They bring back memories of some very, very painful times in my marriage. Whatever questions remain there… those questions are for those people and for even my ex-husband. They need to answer to those things.”

The Epstein Emails

The recent release includes millions of pages of Epstein’s personal communications, including draft emails in which Epstein claimed that Bill Gates sought his help for matters related to sexually transmitted infections and interactions with women. One draft from 2013 reads:

“To add insult to the injury, you then implore me to please delete the emails regarding your STD, your request that I provide you antibiotics that you can surreptitiously give to Melinda, and the description of your penis.”

A spokesperson for Bill Gates responded to these allegations, calling them “absolutely absurd and completely false.” The statement emphasized that the documents primarily reveal Epstein’s frustration over not having an ongoing relationship with Gates and his attempts to entrap and defame him. Bill Gates has not been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein’s crimes.

French Gates Reacts to the Broader Context

In her interview, French Gates discussed the personal and societal impact of Epstein’s crimes. She described feeling “unbelievable sadness” over the newly released documents and reflected on the vulnerability of the young women exploited by Epstein.

“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. “At least for me, I’ve been able to move on in life, and I hope there’s some justice for those now-women.”

She also noted the challenges of revisiting painful memories from her own marriage while processing the new revelations, stating, “I am so happy to be away from all the muck that was there.”

A Message About Accountability

French Gates stressed the importance of holding those responsible accountable, without positioning herself as the one to answer for others’ actions. “Whatever questions remain there of what I don’t — can’t even begin to know all of it — those questions are for those people and for even my ex-husband,” she said.

Bill Gates, 70, has previously described his association with Epstein as a mistake, explaining he met with Epstein seeking charitable support and regretting any time spent with him.

French and Bill Gates finalized their divorce in 2021 after sharing three children together. French Gates has since focused on philanthropy through her ventures, including Pivotal Ventures, and her personal advocacy work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did Melinda French Gates speak out?
She responded to newly released Jeffrey Epstein emails mentioning her ex-husband, emphasizing that accountability rests with those directly involved.

Was Bill Gates accused of a crime?
No. Bill Gates has not been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.

What do the emails allege?
Draft emails from Epstein claimed that Gates sought help related to a sexually transmitted infection and interactions with women. Gates’ team has called the claims false.

How did Melinda French Gates describe her reaction?
She said the documents caused “unbelievable sadness” and recalled painful times in her marriage, but she has moved on personally.

What is French Gates doing now?
She continues her philanthropic work through Pivotal Ventures and focuses on advocacy and social initiatives.