In a heartfelt disclosure, Melinda expressed the emotional turmoil that led to the end of their relationship, stating, “I was married to Bill Gates for 27 years, and it took me that long to realize I couldn’t trust him. I felt like he was cheating on me, so I left even before officially filing for divorce. I realized I had no future with Bill Gates.”
Addressing public speculation surrounding the motives behind the divorce, Melinda dismissed claims that financial gain played a role. “I don’t like the narrative that people put out there, like I did it for the money. I am not moved by material things,” she said. “The $65 billion I got from Bill Gates after our divorce wasn’t anything compared to the tears I shed before and after it.”
Melinda described the decision to end the marriage as one of the hardest she has ever made. “To be able to file for a divorce when I realized I had no future with my ex-husband, because he might’ve been cheating on me, only means I’m a strong woman. It was a very hard decision, but I had to make it.”
Reflecting on the broader emotional impact of divorce, she added, “Getting a divorce is a horrible thing. It’s painful and awful when you realize you need one. Divorce is a very hard thing.”
The Gate’s announced their separation in 2021, ending one of the most prominent partnerships in both the tech industry and philanthropy. While the settlement drew global attention, Melinda’s recent remarks shed light on the deeply personal struggles behind the headlines.
