Melinda Gates is speaking out for the very first time about her divorce from ex-husband Bill Gates, the billionaire founder of Microsoft, and she hinted that trust was broken in her marriage years before it ended.
In an interview with "CBS Mornings," Melinda told host, Gayle King, that she has always believed in forgiveness. However, despite working out their issues, she realized that her relationship with Bill was no longer healthy. She said that she could no longer trust what she used to share with the father of her children.
The Gates' divorce was finalized in August 2021 after 27 years of marriage and Melinda said that she cried "a lot of tears for many days" on the floor in her house, not knowing if she could move forward from this painful experience. Melinda also said that she harbored anger for losing what she thought was going to be her forever but understands that this is a part of the process of grieving. However, she acknowledged that she's turning a new chapter for 2022 and moving on with her life.
“You're grieving a loss of something you thought...you had for your lifetime”: In an exclusive interview with @GayleKing, Melinda French Gates opens up about the grieving process after she ended her marriage with Bill Gates.
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) March 2, 2022
Watch the full interview tomorrow on #CBSMornings. pic.twitter.com/iDt8u14pu4
Cheating Allegations
Shortly after the high-profile couple announced their split, a report cited that Bill had a long-term affair with one of the engineers at Microsoft. This relationship started in 2000 but has also ended in amicable terms.
The affair affected Bill's clout in Microsoft as the company's board members didn't think it was right for him to stay on when he had an inappropriate relationship with a colleague. Melinda also said that she did not like how her husband was friendly with the disgraced billionaire, Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted for his sex crimes.
Melinda described Epstein as "evil personified" and admitted that she had nightmares because of Bill's friendship with a known pedophile. She told King in the interview that she only met Epstein in person one time and got a bad feeling about him right away.
As for her marriage, Melinda said that she devoted "every single piece" of herself as the wife of a very influential person. Though her marriage has failed, the philanthropist said that she can hold her head high because she did nothing wrong in her relationship with Bill.
Bill Gates Responds
Following Melinda's interview, Bill issued a statement to acknowledge the pain he has caused his ex-wife. The billionaire also said that he remains in awe of Melinda for the efforts she has done to improve the lives of many women.
The ex-couple still work together because they have a foundation. However, Melinda cannot define the status of their current relationship as exes. She said she is friendly with her ex-husband but they are not friends.
The Gates share three children, Jennifer, Rory and Phoebe, who are all adults. Jennifer got married in October 2021 or months after her parents ended their marriage.
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