Bill Gates has vehemently denied allegations made in newly released Jeffrey Epstein files that he contracted a sexually transmitted disease (STD) from encounters with 'Russian girls' and sought antibiotics to conceal it from his then-wife, Melinda Gates. The claims emerged in emails Epstein drafted in 2013 but never sent, which were unsealed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday as part of a massive release of Epstein-related documents.
Core Facts and Denials
The emails, written by Epstein to himself on July 18, 2013, allege Gates requested antibiotics to treat an STD and secretly give them to Melinda Gates. One draft email, purportedly written as if from Gates' advisor Boris Nikolic, references 'sex with Russian girls' and the need for medication. Another email suggests Epstein was drafting a resignation letter from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, expressing frustration over Gates ending their relationship.
A spokesperson for Gates called the claims 'absolutely absurd and completely false,' stating they demonstrate Epstein's frustration over their ended relationship and his attempts to defame Gates. The emails contain no corroborating evidence, and Gates' team emphasized that no emails from Gates or his advisors were included in the release.
Context and Background
The DOJ's release includes over 3 million pages of documents, 180,000 images, and 2,000 videos tied to the Epstein investigation. The files also mention other high-profile figures, though Gates' name appears prominently due to the explicit allegations. Gates has previously acknowledged attending dinners with Epstein for philanthropic reasons but has expressed regret over the association.
Melinda Gates has previously cited Bill's ties to Epstein as a factor in their 2021 divorce. The emails, while unverified, have reignited scrutiny over Gates' past relationships and the extent of his interactions with Epstein, who was convicted of sex trafficking before his 2019 death in custody.
Additional Revelations
Separately, the DOJ files revealed that Epstein was banned from Xbox Live in 2013 for 'harassing, threatening, and/or abusing' other players. The ban followed allegations of threats, verbal abuse, and other misconduct on the platform.
Gates was seen attending the Australian Open in Melbourne on Saturday, smiling alongside his girlfriend, Paula Hurd, a day after the emails were released. The DOJ's release has sparked renewed media interest in Gates' past associations and the ongoing fallout from Epstein's criminal activities.