A newly released batch of documents linked to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein has reignited global debate, with some unverified allegations naming Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. The claims, which surfaced after a massive document disclosure by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), have quickly drawn public attention due to their sensational nature. Gates, however, has categorically denied all accusations, calling them baseless and misleading.
What Triggered the Controversy?
As part of transparency efforts under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, the DOJ recently released over three million pages of records connected to Epstein. The documents include emails, notes, photographs, and internal drafts dating back several years. Among these are draft messages allegedly written by Epstein in 2013 that reference Bill Gates.
These materials have not been independently verified, and authorities have emphasized that inclusion of any individual’s name in the files does not automatically suggest wrongdoing.
Allegations Mentioned in the Files
According to the draft emails attributed to Epstein, Gates allegedly had sexual encounters with women described as “Russian girls” and subsequently contracted a sexually transmitted disease (STD). The documents further claim that Gates sought antibiotics and intended to pass them discreetly to his then-wife, Melinda Gates, without disclosing the alleged source.
The drafts also suggest that Gates asked Epstein to delete related emails. Notably, some of these messages were written in the voice of Boris Nikolic, who served as a science adviser to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation at the time. There is no independent evidence supporting these statements beyond Epstein’s own unverified notes.
In the same set of documents, Epstein is seen expressing resentment over the end of his association with Gates. He accused the tech billionaire of conduct he described as “ethically unsound” and “morally inappropriate,” though no corroborating material has been presented to substantiate these claims.
Bill Gates’ Response: “Completely False”
Bill Gates’ representatives issued a strong rebuttal soon after the documents became public. In an official statement, a spokesperson dismissed the allegations outright, stating:
“These claims are completely false and absurd. What these documents actually reveal is Epstein’s frustration over the end of his limited association with Mr. Gates and his attempt to defame him.”
Gates has previously acknowledged meeting Epstein on a few occasions in the past but has consistently maintained that those interactions were limited and that any association with Epstein was a mistake. He has repeatedly denied having a close personal relationship or any involvement in Epstein’s illegal activities.
Images and Disclaimers in the DOJ Release
The newly released files also contain photographs showing Gates in Epstein’s presence at various locations. However, faces in many of these images have been obscured to protect identities. Federal authorities have explicitly stated that photographs or mentions within the document dump should not be interpreted as proof of criminal conduct.
The DOJ reiterated that the release was aimed at transparency and compliance with legal requirements, not to establish guilt or innocence.
Broader Context and Public Scrutiny
Bill and Melinda Gates were married from 1994 until their divorce in 2021. In earlier public comments, Melinda Gates acknowledged that her former husband’s interactions with Epstein contributed to personal strain in their marriage, though she did not elaborate on specifics. Gates’ team has continued to firmly deny all claims related to STDs or alleged encounters mentioned in the documents.
Legal experts and analysts caution that large-scale document disclosures often contain drafts, hearsay, and unverified notes, which can be misleading when taken out of context. They stress that draft emails or personal writings—especially from a figure like Epstein—should not be treated as established facts without independent verification.
Why the Allegations Matter
The episode highlights how unverified material from extensive legal archives can quickly fuel controversy, especially when high-profile individuals are named. While the Epstein files are expected to continue drawing scrutiny, authorities and analysts alike emphasize the importance of distinguishing between proven facts and unsubstantiated claims.
For now, Bill Gates’ stance remains unequivocal: the allegations are false, unsupported, and rooted in Epstein’s own unverified writings rather than any confirmed evidence.
