The Gates-Epstein Affair: How Far Did It Impact Bill And Melinda's Divorce?

The Jeffrey Epstein and Gates connection hasn't just resurfaced but blown up massively following the announcement of Bill and Melinda Gates' divorce. In the aftermath of their explosive May 4 public statement, a look is being recast at their marriage with Epstein, the late disgraced financier accused of multiple sex crimes, in perspective of it.

Earlier reports have suggested Bill Gates' allegedly estranged relationship with Epstein was a catalyst for Melinda to seek divorce. As this affair precariously stands to threaten Gates' public image, fresh reports have further emerged claiming Epstein allegedly offered the Microsoft founder advice on ending his "toxic" marriage to Melinda.

From alleging Gates found "escape" at Epstein's place to saying his marriage was a subject of humour for both men, sources have made explosive revelations, as told to The Daily Beast. Gates' representatives have dismissed all claims as "false".

Here's What We Know So Far About Jeffrey Epstein And Gates Connection:

1. After Epstein's death in 2019, The New York Times published a shocking report of Bill Gates' relationship with him that went as far back as 2011. Epstein's exploits were well-known by then and he had already been registered as a sex offender with multiple women (including those underage) alleging he had abused them.

2. There was reported talk of philanthropic collaborations between Gates and Epstein that ultimately never materialised. The Times' report points out that meetings between the two men occurred at least thrice at Epstein's $77 million-worth New York townhouse. Gates has denied ever sharing a "business relationship or friendship" with Epstein and his representatives have dubbed the meetings as "error in judgment" on part of the tech tycoon.

3. In May 2021, days after the announcement of the Gates separation, Wall Street Journal reported, quoting sources and documents, that Melinda Gates had begun consulting divorce lawyers in October 2019, the same month the Times made its revelations. The report suggests the former Microsoft General Manager and women's rights champion had been disapproving of her husband's links to a recognised sex offender. Full story here.

4. Yet another report, published by The Daily Beast on May 16, 2021, gives further insight into Jeffrey Epstein and Gates' relationship. "Going to Jeffrey’s was a respite from his marriage. It was a way of getting away from Melinda," a source claiming to be present at Gates and Epstein's meets tells the publication. "They were very close," the source adds.

5. Their meetings with its "men’s club" atmosphere, the source says, "irritated" Melinda Gates. There were alleged rounds of talk between Jeffrey Epstein and Gates that discussed details of the latter's marriage the former, a bachelor, deemed "toxic". "Any claim that Gates spoke of his marriage or Melinda in a disparaging manner is false," a representative for Gates has said in response.

6. Besides the controversial Epstein-Gates connect, a recent Times report puts spotlight on allegations of misconduct on part of Gates in the years after his marriage in 1994, as revealed by "people familiar with the matter." While an employee "alleged in a letter that she had a sexual relationship over years with Mr. Gates," several other women too were "pursued," according to the report. More here.