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Philanthropist and businesswoman Melinda French Gates said she does not believe it is her responsibility to address questions surrounding her former husband Bill Gates' past association with the late convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
Speaking on an upcoming episode of NPR's "Wild Card" podcast, Gates said lingering questions should be directed to those named in recently released Justice Department records, including her ex-husband. "Whatever questions remain are for those people to answer to, not me," she said, adding that she is relieved to have moved away from what she described as "the muck."
Gates said reading renewed details about Epstein's victims has been emotionally difficult, reviving memories from what she described as painful periods during her marriage. She said the accounts are especially upsetting as she recalls being the same age as some of the girls, and later seeing her own daughters at similar stages of life.
Despite the renewed attention, Gates said she has deliberately chosen to move forward. She described her current chapter as unexpected and fulfilling, noting that
stepping away from her marriage and later leaving the Gates Foundation were necessary decisions she made to protect herself.
The comments follow the Justice Department's release of millions of documents connected to the Epstein investigation, some of which reference prominent business and political figures. Gates has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing by Epstein's victims, and the appearance of his name in the files does not imply illegal activity.
A spokesperson for Bill Gates has denied allegations contained in the records, calling them false and asserting that the documents reflect Epstein's frustration over a failed relationship. Melinda French Gates said she hopes continued scrutiny brings accountability for those harmed, adding that seeing survivors speak publicly underscores the need for justice and healing.
Epstein died in a New York jail in 2019, while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. Gates said she remains focused on her advocacy for women and girls, saying progress requires listening, accountability, and sustained attention beyond headlines. She said silence is not the same as indifference. Today.
