Melinda French Gates has described her life after divorce from Bill Gates as 'beautiful', as she focuses on her philanthropic organisation Pivotal. Speaking about the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, she said: 'Have you ever been around someone you just know is evil?'
French Gates, 61, said her decision to end her 27-year marriage in 2021 was influenced by her ex-husband's infidelity and his continued contact with Epstein despite her objections. In January, released emails alleged that Bill Gates had contracted a sexually transmitted infection from 'Russian girls' and planned to give her antibiotics. Gates has denied the claims, calling the email false and never sent.
French Gates has now spoken out, saying her heart goes out to Epstein's victims. 'I had spoken my truth about what I had experienced. He was an abhorrent human being, a horrid man,' she said. She expressed hope that the young girls involved would find peace and justice.
Now running Pivotal, which has pledged $2bn to support women and families, French Gates says she is enjoying a slower pace of life. She visits local bookshops, goes on walks, and appreciates the natural beauty of Seattle. Despite her $30bn fortune, she values simple pleasures and has chosen to 'keep walking the path near you'.
