Bill Gates Dismisses 'Absurd' Affair Claims in Newly Released Epstein Documents
Bill Gates has forcefully rejected what he describes as "absolutely absurd" allegations regarding an alleged affair that have surfaced in the latest substantial release of documents connected to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The billionaire philanthropist's spokesperson issued a strong denial following the publication of an email from Epstein that contained the unsubstantiated claims.
Details of the Epstein Email and Gates's Response
According to the newly disclosed files from the US Department of Justice, Jeffrey Epstein sent a 225-word email to himself on 18 July 2013 with the subject line "bill." In this communication, Epstein made several sensational claims about Bill Gates, including an assertion that Gates had engaged in extramarital sexual activity. The email also suggested Epstein had been asked to perform tasks that were "potentially over the line into the illegal" and that he had facilitated "illicit trysts" for the Microsoft co-founder during what he described as a "severe marital dispute" between Gates and his then-wife, Melinda.
A spokesperson for Bill Gates responded to these allegations with unequivocal denial. "These claims are absolutely absurd and completely false," the representative stated in a communication with The Independent. The spokesperson further characterised the document as evidence of "Epstein's frustration that he did not have an ongoing relationship with Gates and the lengths he would go to entrap and defame."
Context of the Document Release and Broader Implications
This specific email forms part of a vast trove of over 3 million documents released by the Department of Justice on Friday. This action was taken to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which was signed into law in November. The release represents one of the most comprehensive disclosures of material related to the Epstein case.
The newly public files include:
- Thousands of emails and court documents
- Numerous photographs
- References to various high-profile individuals
It is crucial to note that being named within these documents does not, in itself, constitute evidence of any wrongdoing. The files mention several prominent figures, including former Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, as well as entrepreneur Elon Musk.
Historical Background and Gates's Previous Comments
Bill and Melinda Gates announced their divorce in May 2021. Earlier that same year, Gates publicly addressed his association with Jeffrey Epstein during an interview with PBS News. He acknowledged having dinners with Epstein in the early 2010s, explaining that his motivation was the hope of raising substantial funds for global health initiatives through Epstein's network of wealthy contacts.
Gates has since expressed regret over these meetings, describing them as "a mistake." This context adds a further layer to the current allegations, which Gates's team insists are fabrications from a discredited source.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche commented on the scale of the document release, stating that the massive data dump complies with federal law and "marks the end of a very comprehensive" review process. The release aims to provide transparency while authorities continue to emphasise that inclusion in the files is not an indication of guilt or involvement in Epstein's criminal activities.
