In a poignant acknowledgment of their separation, Melinda Gates recently expressed that ending her marriage with Bill Gates was "necessary" for her well-being, diverging significantly from Bill's view, who termed the divorce as one of his "greatest failures."
In May 2021, Melinda Gates and Bill Gates ended their marriage of 27 years, a decision influenced by Bill's reported controversial behaviors and his connections with Jeffrey Epstein, Daily Mail reported.
Melinda disclosed that the decline of her marriage began in autumn 2019, culminating with a revealing New York Times article about Bill's dealings with Epstein. This coverage was, as she described in her memoir, 'deeply disturbing,' raising alarming questions about Bill's conduct and the betrayal of their shared values. Melinda's response highlights a stark contrast to Bill's recent statements, underscoring her drive to live authentically to her principles.
Melinda and Bill made a final attempt to reconcile their differences with a trip to Santa Fe in February 2020. However, despite their efforts, the issues proved insurmountable, leading to an escalating situation that prompted Melinda to ask Bill to leave their shared home. "It was one of the scariest conversations I've ever had," Melinda recounted about that decisive night.
The separation led to Melinda receiving an estimated $12.5 billion settlement. While navigating these challenging negotiations, Melinda experienced frequent panic attacks, highlighting the emotional toll of the divorce. In 2024, she decided to resign from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to focus more deeply on her philanthropic organization, Pivotal Ventures, which she had established back in 2015 in Seattle.
Despite the pressures of her high-profile divorce, Melinda has opened herself up to the possibility of new relationships. She shared that her friends have introduced her to several potential companions, which she described as "lovely" experiences. Asserting her independence, she stated, "I'm sure some [men] are and some aren't [intimidated by me]. But I'm not looking for somebody who would be intimidated by my status. That kind of rules them out, right?"
On the other side, Bill Gates has been in a relationship with Paula Hurd, widowed spouse of former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd, since 2022. Despite the personal upheavals, Bill Gates mentioned plans to leave each of their three children—Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe—less than one percent of his fortune, which still amounts to $500 million each. This gesture is indicative of his ongoing commitment to philanthropy and modest familial inheritance.
Reflecting on the whole experience, a spokeswoman for Bill Gates touched on his regret over his past association with Epstein. "Bill Gates regrets ever meeting with Epstein and recognizes it was an error in judgment to do so. He recognizes that entertaining Epstein's ideas related to philanthropy gave Epstein an undeserved platform that was at odds with Gates's values and the values of his foundation," the spokeswoman stated.
In conclusion, while the Gates' last public appearance as a couple was at The Robin Hood Foundation's benefit in May 2018, both Bill and Melinda have since taken significant strides in redefining their paths—whether in love, philanthropy, or personal growth. Despite the challenges, Melinda emphasizes her newfound happiness, a testament to her resilience and dedication to her values. "He's got his own life. I have my life now. I'm very happy," she affirmed.
