On Feb. 4, 2026, Melinda French Gates spoke about newly released Justice Department records that mention her ex-husband, Bill Gates, saying the references caused her deep emotional pain. The files, published by the Department of Justice, include notes tied to Jeffrey Epstein that allege extramarital encounters and other conduct attributed to Mr. Gates; Mr. Gates has denied any improper behavior. Ms. French Gates addressed the material during an interview on NPR’s Wild Card podcast and described the disclosures as a source of intense sadness. The records and statements have reignited public scrutiny of past ties between Epstein and a number of high-profile figures.
Key Takeaways
- The Justice Department released a batch of documents on Feb. 4, 2026, that include messages referring to Bill Gates and to interactions with Jeffrey Epstein.
- Some notes in the files, dated July 2013, suggest Epstein wrote about facilitating sexual encounters and providing medication; the origin and recipients of certain entries remain unclear.
- Melinda French Gates told NPR the material left her with what she called “unbelievable sadness,” describing the emotional impact in personal terms.
- A representative for Bill Gates issued a statement denying any improper conduct related to Epstein and saying Mr. Gates never participated in illegal activities linked to Epstein.
- Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died in federal custody in 2019; the new files are part of broader public releases tied to legal records and investigative materials.
- Bill and Melinda French Gates divorced in 2021; public attention on the couple’s past associations has resurfaced with these disclosures.
Background
The documents in question were released by the U.S. Department of Justice on Feb. 4, 2026, as part of a packet of records connected to Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein, who was convicted on sex-related charges, died in federal custody in 2019. Over the years investigators, journalists, and advocacy groups have sought greater transparency about his network and communications, prompting periodic public releases of related files.
Jeffrey Epstein exchanged messages with numerous prominent individuals over more than a decade; some contemporaneous notes and internal records have been interpreted in different ways by readers and reporters. Bill Gates acknowledged meeting Epstein in the past and has described that contact as a serious error in judgment. Gates’ interactions with Epstein have not resulted in criminal charges against Mr. Gates.
Main Event
The recently published files include emails and notes dated July 2013 that appear in Epstein-related records. In those entries, Epstein is recorded describing efforts to obtain medication and to arrange sexual encounters, with mentions tied to a Microsoft co-founder. The files also contain notes that suggest Epstein complained about the end of a friendship lasting several years.
It is not clear from the released packet whether some of the notes were actually sent to Bill Gates or were drafts or self-addressed memos by Epstein. The distinction matters legally and factually, and reporting so far has emphasized that the provenance and context of some lines in the documents remain unresolved. Journalists and officials are continuing to review the broader set of records to clarify authorship and recipients.
Bill Gates’ team responded in writing following the release, stressing that he denies any improper conduct linked to Epstein and reiterating that he never attended parties on Epstein’s island or participated in illegal activities tied to Epstein. Gates has acknowledged regret for having associated with Epstein but has pushed back against the most serious allegations suggested by the notes.
Analysis & Implications
Public disclosure of records that associate well-known figures with Epstein tends to produce reputational risk even where no legal charges follow. For Bill Gates, who remains a prominent philanthropist and public figure, the new references could complicate trust with partners and beneficiaries who prioritize integrity and transparency. Foundations, university collaborators, and nonprofit partners may face renewed pressure to address optics and governance questions.
Legally, the current material in the DOJ release does not constitute criminal charges against Mr. Gates. Investigators and legal analysts caution that written notes and alleged statements require corroboration and context before they can be deemed reliable evidence. Still, such documents often spur further inquiries by journalists, oversight bodies, or civil litigants seeking additional records.
The disclosures also highlight broader questions about how records from long-running investigations are preserved and released. Archivists and legal experts note that memos, drafts, and self-directed notes can become conflated with direct communications, leading to misunderstandings when files are made public. The interpretation of July 2013 entries will depend on documentary context, metadata, and corroborating testimony.
Comparison & Data
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2013 | Notes in Epstein-related files dated July 2013 reference interactions attributed to a Microsoft co-founder |
| 2019 | Jeffrey Epstein died in federal custody |
| 2021 | Bill and Melinda French Gates divorced |
| 2026 | Justice Department released a batch of Epstein-related records on Feb. 4, 2026 |
The table above places the newly released items in a short timeline. While dates of the documents are specific, the table underscores that timing alone does not establish the completeness or authorship of individual notes. Reviewers say a more granular document-by-document audit is required to draw firm conclusions.
Reactions & Quotes
Following the release, Melinda French Gates spoke to NPR about the emotional effect of seeing her former husband’s name in the files. She framed the disclosure in personal terms and said it reopened old wounds connected to their marriage and its public aftermath.
“It brought back unbelievable sadness,”
Melinda French Gates, interview on NPR
Shortly after the records became public, a representative for Mr. Gates provided a written statement denying involvement in any illegal activity linked to Epstein and emphasizing that he had not visited Epstein’s private island or attended parties there. The statement reiterated that meeting Epstein had been a mistake.
“Mr. Gates unequivocally denies any improper conduct related to Epstein,”
Statement from Bill Gates representative
Unconfirmed
- It remains unconfirmed whether the July 2013 entries were actually addressed to Bill Gates or were self-authored notes by Epstein.
- Claims that antibiotics were requested to be given surreptitiously to Melinda French Gates are recorded in Epstein notes but lack independent corroboration in the public record.
- There is no public evidence in the released packet that Bill Gates visited Epstein’s private island or attended parties there, consistent with Mr. Gates’s denial.
Bottom Line
The Justice Department release has placed fresh material into public view that connects Jeffrey Epstein, through his notes, to many prominent figures. For Bill Gates, the immediate impact is reputational and emotional rather than legal, given the denials from his representative and the absence of charges. Observers should expect deeper document review and possible follow-up reporting to clarify authorship and meaning of the contested entries.
Readers should note the difference between allegations recorded in a set of released files and verified findings. The files have renewed scrutiny of past associations and highlighted the need for careful documental analysis; ongoing reporting and any official follow-up will be key to establishing a full factual record.
Sources
- The New York Times — news report summarizing the DOJ file release and interviews
- U.S. Department of Justice — official source for case records and public releases
- NPR — public radio organization hosting the Wild Card podcast interview