While the documents failed to confirm some Epstein-related conspiracy theories, such as whether he had a client list of men he blackmailed, they have caused headaches for powerful people around the world, shedding light on multiple awkward relationships Epstein had with business titans, billionaires, royals, government officials — in the US and abroad — and media figures.
Bill Gates
The long relationship between Gates and Epstein is well reported. The latest document release only raises new questions. It’s not clear who wrote what look to be draft messages from 2013 saved in Epstein’s email account. But they appear to document, in stream-of-consciousness style, feelings of betrayal aimed at the Microsoft co-founder.
The drafts mention marital discord between Gates and his then-wife Melinda. There is discussion of business deals, the idea of Gates having concerns about a sexually transmitted disease, and soured business ventures. The draft message expresses concern that a public divorce between Bill and Melinda Gates would hurt their foundation.
Later, that divorce would be a yearslong process. “These claims — from a proven, disgruntled liar — are absolutely absurd and completely false. The only thing these documents demonstrate is Epstein’s frustration that he did not have an ongoing relationship with Gates and the lengths he would go to entrap and defame,” a Bill Gates representative told CNN.
“you have decided to discharge me from my job, had Larry, your pr person tell me that I engaged in morally inappropriate behavior and then asked me to be the major actor in a cover up so that you can maintain the reputation that you have worked so hard to achieve. … TO add insult to the injury you then subsequently with tears in your eyes, implore me to please delete the emails regarding your std, your request that I provide you antibiotics that you can surreptitiously give to Melinda, and the description of your penis. You also made it clear to me that I am not to refer to [REDACTED] as that is another topic that must remain between the two of us.”
