Story perspectives

Melinda Gates Blames Epstein Meeting for Divorce, Pledges $2B

6/14/2026

Summary

Melinda Gates Blames Epstein

Melinda French Gates said her 2013 meeting with Jeffrey Epstein gave her nightmares and proved he was evil.
She said the encounter drove her 2021 divorce from Bill Gates after 27 years of marriage.
The Department of Justice released a tranche of Epstein emails in January 2026, renewing scrutiny of the Gates split.
She allocated $2 billion to protect women’s rights and criticized the justice system for failing Epstein’s victims.

Summary

Melinda Gates' Pivotal

In 2024, Melinda French Gates left the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and secured a $12.5 billion settlement for philanthropy.
She founded Pivotal, a Seattle lakeside nonprofit built for faster decision-making than the former foundation.
Pivotal’s feminist, political mission targets eroding U.S. reproductive rights while allocating $2 billion to women’s health, political rights, and female candidates.
French Gates describes the initiative as “weaponising” her wealth to increase women’s power and reshape society.

Summary

Melinda Finds Calm

Melinda French Gates reports that her panic attacks have subsided, giving her hard-won tranquility.
She now walks alone around Lake Washington each day, a habit she says reveals deeper insight.
Her granddaughters call her “Nonna” while she visits independent bookstores for decaf coffee with friends.
She says focusing on her local community after years of global travel may shape her philanthropy.

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Melinda Gates Blames Epstein

Melinda French Gates said her 2013 meeting with Jeffrey Epstein gave her nightmares and proved he was evil.
She said the encounter drove her 2021 divorce from Bill Gates after 27 years of marriage.
The Department of Justice released a tranche of Epstein emails in January 2026, renewing scrutiny of the Gates split.
She allocated $2 billion to protect women’s rights and criticized the justice system for failing Epstein’s victims.

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