The Jeffrey Epstein controversy has reignited scrutiny around Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates after the US Department of Justice released confidential Epstein-related documents containing sensational claims. The files include draft emails allegedly written by Epstein in 2013, bringing Gates’ name back into the spotlight, though authorities stress that the contents remain unverified.
According to the documents, Epstein claimed Gates contracted a sexually transmitted disease after allegedly engaging in sexual encounters with Russian women. Epstein further alleged that Gates sought antibiotics from him to secretly treat the infection without his then-wife Melinda Gates becoming aware of it.
The documents also suggest Epstein attempted to blackmail Gates by threatening to expose a past affair with a Russian bridge player. However, the US Justice Department clarified that these claims appear only in Epstein’s draft emails and that no independent evidence has so far been found to substantiate the allegations.
Responding to the disclosures, a spokesperson for Bill Gates dismissed the accusations as entirely false and baseless, describing them as part of Epstein’s attempt to retaliate after Gates cut ties with him. The representative said Epstein was trying to damage Gates’ reputation and emphasized that Gates had distanced himself from Epstein well before his 2019 arrest.
Gates and Melinda divorced in 2021, with Melinda later indirectly indicating that Gates’ association with Epstein contributed to their separation. Epstein was arrested in 2019 on federal sex-trafficking charges and died under suspicious circumstances in a New York jail while awaiting trial. Although authorities ruled his death a suicide, conspiracy theories continue to circulate, suggesting powerful figures may have silenced him to prevent further revelations.