Bill Gates Says Divorce from Melinda Was His ‘Biggest Mistake’

Bill Gates has openly acknowledged that his divorce from Melinda French Gates remains the most significant regret of his life. In a candid interview with The Sunday Times, the 69-year-old billionaire reflected on the difficult years following their split in 2021. Although he feels more positive now, he admitted that the way his marriage ended still weighs heavily on him.

“That was the mistake I most regret,” Gates stated, emphasizing that while he has experienced failures in various aspects of life, his divorce stands out as the most painful.

A Difficult Chapter in Gates’ Life

Gates described the separation as an incredibly challenging period for both him and Melinda. He revealed that their divorce felt “miserable” for at least two years, marking it as one of the most emotionally taxing experiences he has faced. Despite the difficulties, he emphasized that they have maintained a civil relationship and continue to see each other frequently, especially for family events.

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The former couple shares three children—Jennifer, 28, Rory, 25, and Phoebe, 22. Now that their children are adults, they remain focused on family, ensuring that their bond as parents remains intact. Gates also spoke about his two grandchildren, noting that their family continues to grow despite the changes in his personal life.

Affair and Controversial Ties

While Gates did not provide details about the exact reasons behind the divorce, he had previously admitted to an extramarital affair with a Microsoft employee. In 2021, he confirmed the relationship, which reportedly took place years before the divorce was finalized. The revelation added to speculation surrounding the circumstances that led to their split.

Another point of controversy involved his past association with Jeffrey Epstein. Before their marriage ended, Gates had met with Epstein on multiple occasions, discussing global health initiatives. However, he later distanced himself from Epstein, stating that he ended their interactions upon realizing that Epstein’s promises to support philanthropic efforts were unreliable.

Melinda Gates later addressed this issue, revealing that her husband’s meetings with Epstein played a role in her decision to leave the marriage.

Melinda Gates’ Perspective on the Split

In a 2022 interview with CBS Mornings, Melinda Gates shared details about her own experience meeting Epstein. She described the encounter as unsettling and recalled feeling deeply uncomfortable during their conversation. She also noted the presence of unusual items in his home, including a collection of glass eyeballs and provocative figurines.

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Although she did not cite one specific event as the reason for their separation, she expressed that over time, she realized the marriage was no longer healthy. She eventually concluded that trust had eroded beyond repair.

Moving Forward After Divorce

Since finalizing the divorce, Gates has been dating Paula Hurd, the widow of former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd. Despite his regrets, he has continued focusing on his philanthropic work and remains committed to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Melinda Gates, on the other hand, officially stepped away from the foundation in May 2024. In an interview with Time, she reflected on her decision to separate, explaining that she prioritized privacy during the transition. She described taking time to ensure the well-being of herself, her children, and the foundation before making the split public.

She also acknowledged the emotional difficulty of divorce, calling it a painful but necessary process. However, she later clarified that while divorce is undoubtedly hard, she no longer considers it a “horrible” thing. Instead, she sees it as a life change that allowed her to move forward in a positive direction.

A New Chapter for Both

Both Bill and Melinda Gates have moved forward in their respective lives, focusing on their careers, philanthropy, and family. While their marriage ended, their shared commitment to their children and global initiatives remains strong. Gates may consider his divorce his greatest regret, but both he and Melinda continue to navigate life’s next chapter with determination and purpose.