Melinda French Gates has opened up about the emotional impact of seeing her ex-husband, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, named in recently released Jeffrey Epstein files. Speaking to NPR, she described the experience as resurfacing “painful times” from their marriage.

In an interview on NPR’s Wild Card podcast, Melinda expressed her “unbelievable sadness” over the allegations linked to Epstein, emphasizing that those named in the records, including her ex-husband, need to answer to the claims.

“For me, it's personally hard whenever those details come up, right? Because it brings back memories of some very, very painful times in my marriage,” she said.

The couple, who divorced in 2021 after 27 years of marriage, have both faced public scrutiny over past associations and personal matters, but Melinda said she is “so happy to be away from all the muck.”

Allegations against Bill Gates

The recent documents, part of more than three million released by the US Department of Justice, include emails attributed to Epstein suggesting that Bill Gates caught a sexually transmitted disease. Gates has denied the claims, calling them “absolutely absurd.”

A spokesperson for Bill Gates emphasized that the allegations come from “a proven, disgruntled liar” and that his inclusion in the files does not imply criminal activity or wrongdoing.

Emails in documents

The files contain two emails dated July 18, 2013, apparently drafted by Epstein. One reads like a resignation letter from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, referencing Bill Gates’ alleged dealings with Russian women.

The other email, beginning “dear Bill,” claims Gates tried to cover up a sexually transmitted infection, even from Melinda, and complains about the ending of a friendship. Both emails were sent from and back to Epstein’s account and are unsigned, with no evidence they were ever received by Gates.

Past association with Epstein

Over the years, Bill Gates has downplayed his connection with Epstein, insisting they only met for a few dinners discussing a philanthropy project that never came to fruition. A spokesperson said the recent files demonstrate Epstein’s frustration that Gates did not maintain a closer relationship, and that Epstein attempted to “entrap and defame” him.

The newly released documents provide insight into Epstein’s extensive network, linking numerous high-profile figures, including celebrities, business leaders, and world leaders, some of whom continued contact even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting sex from a minor.

Epstein died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial in a sex-trafficking case, leaving many of his alleged connections and actions under scrutiny.