Melinda French Gates reflects on painful times after Epstein file release

The U.S. Department of Justice released a batch of Jeffrey Epstein–related documents on January 30 that included email drafts referencing Bill Gates, and Bill Gates’ spokesperson has denied the claims. Melinda French Gates told NPR the disclosures recalled “very, very painful times” in her marriage and will discuss the matter on an upcoming Wild Card episode airing February 5.

Federal documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein were released by the U.S. Department of Justice on January 30. The release drew public attention to email drafts and other materials that mention several people. News reports note that some of those drafts reference Bill Gates, and his office has issued a statement denying the claims. Melinda French Gates addressed the disclosures in remarks recorded for NPR’s Wild Card podcast and described the experience as personally painful. What we know: - The U.S. Department of Justice released a large set of documents on January 30 linked to Jeffrey Epstein. - News coverage reports that the released files included email drafts that reference Bill Gates. - A spokesperson for Bill Gates told PEOPLE that the specific claims in those drafts are false. - Melinda French Gates told NPR the disclosures recalled "very, very painful times" in her marriage and her interview will air on NPR’s Wild Card on February 5. Summary: The public release of Epstein-related documents prompted responses from people mentioned in the files, including a denial from Bill Gates’ spokesperson and comments from Melinda French Gates about the personal impact. Melinda described the disclosures as painful and is scheduled to discuss them further on the Wild Card podcast airing February 5.