The latest batch of documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein has once again put Bill Gates’ past association with the convicted sex offender under scrutiny.
The newly released material includes graphic but unverified allegations and also points to a level of coordination on philanthropic matters between Gates and Epstein that appears more extensive than what had been publicly known until now.
Among the most striking details in the release are two draft emails that Epstein appears to have written in July 2013. The messages, which read like unfiltered notes and are filled with errors and angry asides, include claims by Epstein that he arranged sexual encounters involving Gates and assisted him in securing medication to conceal a sexually transmitted infection from his wife.
It remains uncertain who actually authored the 2013 draft messages found in Epstein’s email account, though they are addressed from Epstein to himself. Gates has firmly denied the allegations, calling them “false.” Notably, all documented interactions between the two took place after Epstein’s 2008 conviction on charges related to prostitution.
A review by CNN KFile identified hundreds of mentions of Gates in the newly released documents, including emails outlining meeting schedules, meals, proposed calls, and Epstein’s efforts to arrange encounters with him.
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The documents list several specific interactions, including a dinner with Gates in December 2010 and a potential lunch in February 2013, along with meetings in April and October 2011. Other entries show a meeting in Norway in August 2012 followed by another a week later, two meetings in February 2013, and a possible dinner in September 2013 where Epstein invited a Norwegian diplomat. The files also include a Google Calendar reminder for a Skype call with Gates in January 2014, as well as a meeting and phone conversation in September 2014.
Photos made public by the House Oversight Committee in November from Epstein’s estate also showed Gates with Prince Andrew and a pilot near a plane, as well as an image of Gates with a woman whose face was redacted. Some of the documents focus on Gates’ philanthropic work. The Microsoft co-founder has committed to giving away the vast majority of his wealth, concentrating on global health and poverty reduction.
Epstein frequently offered advice on Gates’ approach to giving through the Gates Foundation, and Gates’ replies suggest he considered that guidance seriously, sometimes even agreeing with Epstein’s suggestions.
“I enjoyed the breakfast a lot,” Gates wrote to Epstein in December 2014. “All of the attendees were interesting people. We managed to talk about philanthropy enough to get their reaction without putting them on the spot too much…So I think the breakfast was a success in terms of relationships I value and will continue to spend time on.”
“As usual everyone liked=you alot. each surprised by how knowledgeable you were about many var=ous subjects,” as per Epstein. “I suggest we have another meeting. Let me run it. moderate it. etc. or if you prefer I m happy to have someone e=se in my place, but that person has to present a structure, explain=it. ask questions of everyone.”
The claims in the draft email remain unverified and have not been corroborated. There is no evidence that the message was ever sent to Gates or anyone else, and Gates has not faced any criminal allegations connected to Epstein.
Gates’ ex-wife, Melinda French Gates, recently told NPR in a preview of an interview that the new Epstein documents have brought back difficult memories from their marriage. She added that any lingering questions about Epstein are for her ex-husband to address. “Whatever questions remain there of what – I can’t even begin to know all of it – those questions are for those people and for even my ex-husband. They need to answer to those things, not me,” she said.
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According to a 2021 report by the Wall Street Journal, Gates’ connection to Epstein played a role in his divorce from Melinda French Gates. The story cited documents showing that Melinda and her advisers held multiple calls in October 2019, shortly after the New York Times reported that Gates had met with Epstein on several occasions. Epstein also seemed at least somewhat aware of Melinda Gates’ discomfort with the association.
Speaking on NPR’s “Wild Card” podcast, Melinda described feeling “unbelievable sadness” over the allegations connected to Epstein. She emphasized that anyone named in the documents, including her ex-husband, must answer questions about the material themselves. Melinda and Bill Gates ended their 27-year marriage in 2021.
“I think we are having a reckoning as a society. No girl should ever be put in a situation that they were put in by Epstein and … various other people around him. It’s beyond heartbreaking. I remember my daughters being those ages…” she said.
She added, “It’s personally hard when these details come up because it brings back memories of some very, very painful times in my marriage. But I have moved on from that. I am so happy to be away from all the muck.”
The Epstein files include an allegation attributed to Epstein suggesting that Bill Gates had contracted a sexually transmitted infection. Gates has firmly denied the claim. A spokesperson for him called the assertion “absolutely absurd” and “completely false,” describing Epstein as a “proven, disgruntled liar.”
There have been no allegations of misconduct against Gates from Epstein’s victims, and his inclusion in the documents does not imply any criminal behavior.