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SEATTLE / WASHINGTON — Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has categorically denied sensational allegations contained in draft emails written by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which surfaced in a massive document release by the U.S. Department of Justice on Friday, January 30, 2026. The claims, described as "absolutely absurd and completely false" by a Gates spokesperson, include unverified assertions that Gates contracted a sexually transmitted disease (STD) from "sex with Russian girls" and sought antibiotics to administer "surreptitiously" to his then-wife, Melinda French Gates.
The Justice Department released more than 3 million pages of documents, over 2,000 videos, and 180,000 images as part of the final major tranche under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump in November 2025. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche described the disclosure—posted on the department's website—as concluding a thorough review process to ensure transparency while safeguarding the privacy of over 1,000 alleged victims.
Among the files are two draft emails dated July 18, 2013, apparently authored by Epstein and sent to himself. One, framed as a resignation letter purportedly from Gates' former science adviser Boris Nikolic, alleges involvement in "morally inappropriate" and "ethically unsound" activities on Gates' behalf, including "helping Bill to get drugs, in order to deal with consequences of sex with russian girls." A second draft, addressed to "Bill," accuses Gates of orchestrating a "cover up" to protect his reputation and urges deletion of emails referencing an alleged STD, a request for antibiotics to give Melinda without her knowledge, and "the description of your penis."
The drafts show no evidence they were ever sent to Gates or Nikolic, nor do they include corroborating proof of the claims. They appear to reflect Epstein's own writing, potentially as leverage or fabrication, according to multiple analyses of the documents.
A spokesperson for Gates issued a rare and forceful denial in response to inquiries from outlets including the Daily Mail, CBS News, The New York Times, and others. "These claims—from a proven, disgruntled liar—are absolutely absurd and completely false," the statement read. "The only thing these documents demonstrate is Epstein's frustration that he did not have an ongoing relationship with Gates and the lengths he would go to entrap and defame."
Gates has previously acknowledged limited contact with Epstein, describing their interactions as regrettable and primarily in group settings related to philanthropy. He has repeatedly denied any business relationship, friendship, attendance at Epstein's parties, or visits to his residences. Melinda French Gates cited her husband's extramarital affairs and association with Epstein as contributing factors in their 2021 divorce, though she has not elaborated on specifics.
The release also includes undated photographs of Epstein and Gates together in various locations, as well as references to other prominent figures. Officials stressed that the documents are investigative materials containing unverified allegations, not conclusions of fact. No new charges or findings of wrongdoing emerged from this batch, which focused on historical records.
The Epstein saga continues to draw attention seven years after his death by suicide in federal custody in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. The Justice Department's transparency efforts, mandated by Congress, aim to provide public insight into Epstein's network while protecting victim identities through redactions.
Gates, now focused on global health initiatives through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has maintained that his encounters with Epstein were limited and unrelated to any improper conduct. The foundation did not respond to additional requests for comment beyond the spokesperson's statement.
As the files circulate widely, legal and media experts caution that draft emails from Epstein—known for manipulation and fabrication—should not be taken as factual without independent verification. The DOJ has emphasized that inclusion in the records does not imply culpability.
