Following the release of new files relating to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, billionaire philanthropist Melinda French Gates says the inclusion of her ex-husband, Microsoft’s co-founder Bill Gates, dredged up “painful times” in her marriage.

In a report from the BBC, which cited a podcast French-Gates did with NPR news, the billionaire described feelings of “unbelievable sadness”, and said that “whatever questions remain” ought to be answered by those named in the records.

Bill Gates is one of dozens of high-profile men and women included in the files released by the US Department of Justice (DOJ). Also named are US President Donald Trump, former president Bill Clinton, and former prince Andrew, who has been stripped of his title.

The inclusion of a name in the files is not an immediate indication of knowledge of or participation in Epstein’s crimes.

Meanwhile, French Gates said she was “so happy to be away from all the muck”.

The power couple, who had for years participated in funding philanthropic endeavours through the then-Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, divorced in 2021.

The foundation was rebranded as the Gates Foundation in 2025 after she resigned.

The report cites records released by the Justice Department, which include an allegation by Epstein that Bill Gates caught a sexually transmitted disease.

The report said Gates’ spokesperson described the claim as “absolutely absurd”.

The billionaire, in commenting on the release of files in an interview with 9News in Australia, said his interactions with Epstein were limited to dinners.

Gates maintained that he did not visit Epstein’s island.

“Every minute I spent with him I regret, and I apologise that I did that,” Gates said.