Bill Gates' Ex Breaks Her Silence After Explosive Claim of Alleged STD 'Drug Plot' Surfaces in Epstein Files

A torrent of unverified claims from newly released draft emails in the Jeffrey Epstein file release has prompted Melinda French Gates to speak publicly about painful memories tied to her former marriage to Bill Gates. For weeks in early 2026, the United States Department of Justice disclosed more than three million pages of court-mandated material linked to investigations into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Amongst these records are draft emails attributed to Epstein that allege Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates contracted a sexually transmitted disease, sought antibiotics, and asked that they be secretly given to his then-wife. These claims have no independent verification and are categorically denied by Gates' representatives as false.

Draft Emails Spark Global Controversy

The controversial material centres on draft messages dated July 2013 in the DOJ's latest tranche of Epstein documents. In one draft, Epstein, writing to himself in the voice of Boris Nikolic, a former Gates Foundation adviser, allegedly described Gates as having contracted an STD after encounters with 'Russian girls' and requested antibiotics that could be administered to Melinda without her knowledge.

These draft emails were never authenticated as genuine correspondence and there is no corroborating evidence that they reflect real events. The DOJ acknowledges that the release contains unverified material, including drafts and documents that may be false or speculative.

The inclusion of such explosive content in a government-mandated release has inflamed public debate, prompting vigorous denial from Gates' team and renewed scrutiny of the legal obligations and editorial practices surrounding the Epstein files.

Melinda French Gates Responds

In her first detailed response since the files were unsealed, Melinda French Gates addressed the allegations in an interview on NPR's 'Wild Card' podcast. French Gates described feeling 'unbelievable sadness' upon learning of the allegations, characterising the experience as a reminder of 'very painful times' during her marriage. She stressed that questions about the unverified material are for others, including her ex-husband, to answer.

French Gates used the interview to highlight the broader social implications of the Epstein scandal. She spoke empathetically about survivors of Epstein's abuse, saying no young girl should ever be put in the situation that Epstein put them in. Her comments stopped short of asserting factual accuracy for the draft emails, instead focusing on the emotional impact and the importance of accountability for those connected to Epstein's sphere.

Gates' Team Denies Allegations

Bill Gates has not spoken directly about the specific draft claims, but his spokesperson issued a forceful dismissal of the allegations. The statement described the contents of the draft emails as 'absolutely absurd and completely false', asserting that the documents reflect Epstein's frustration over a discontinued relationship rather than factual events.

The spokesperson contended that the only insight these materials offer is the extent to which Epstein tried to manipulate and defame prominent individuals after failing to sustain partnerships with them. There is no evidence that the draft emails were ever sent or represent authentic communications involving Gates. Bill Gates has acknowledged that he met Epstein on several occasions but has maintained that the interactions were limited to philanthropic discussions and were a 'huge mistake' in retrospect.

Legal and Public Response to the File Release

The controversy highlights ongoing concerns about how Epstein's files have been handled. The DOJ's release is one of several waves of material disclosed under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a 2025 federal law intended to bring unprecedented openness to the previously sealed archives. Despite these efforts, advocates and lawmakers have criticised the extent of redactions, arguing that key documents remain withheld.

Legal experts note that whilst the released drafts raise serious ethical questions about Epstein's conduct, they remain unverified allegations and do not constitute evidence of criminal activity by any named individuals. The mere appearance of a name in the files does not imply wrongdoing. Melinda French Gates' measured response marks a rare engagement with material that has reignited global interest and controversy.