The latest release of documents connected to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation has thrust Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates back into public scrutiny, this time over highly sensitive personal allegations that appeared in unverified draft communications among the recently disclosed material.
In late January and early February 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) made public millions of pages of documents, images and correspondence tied to Epstein’s network, following the passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The massive disclosure—comprising roughly 3 million pages, tens of thousands of images and videos—was intended to provide unprecedented transparency into Epstein’s activities, his relationships and the people who interacted with him before his death in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges.
Among the items generating the most headlines were draft emails allegedly written by Epstein that reference Gates in highly personal and explicit terms. According to screenshots published by multiple media outlets, these draft messages included claims that Gates once engaged in sexual encounters with women described as “Russian girls,” contracted a sexually transmitted infection, and sought antibiotics that could be given secretly to his then-wife, Melinda French Gates—suggestions that have since been widely reported in international news.
However, experts and journalists caution strongly that these specific communications are unverified drafts, and there is no independent evidence supporting the claims they contain. In many cases, the material appears to be Epstein’s own writing to himself, or written in the voice of an associate, rather than received and acknowledged by Gates or any verifying party.
What the Files Actually Show
The controversial emails date back to 2013 and are part of a larger trove of material that was only recently reviewed and prepared for public release. One of the draft messages is addressed from Epstein’s own account, with the subject line “bill,” and uses the voice of Boris Nikolic, a longtime adviser to the Gates Foundation. In that message, Epstein claims he was asked to help Gates obtain medication “to deal with consequences of sex with Russian girls,” and to delete emails relating to the alleged matter.
Another draft allegedly describes an effort to acquire antibiotics that could be given “surreptitiously” to Melinda French Gates—an allegation that rapidly spread through media outlets around the world once the DOJ documents were made public.
It is crucial to note that Epstein’s files contain a mix of draft emails, second-hand accounts and documents that were never sent or authenticated. The DOJ itself has clarified that the presence of individuals in the files does not, on its own, imply wrongdoing or even knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities.
Gates’ Response to the Allegations
In response to the media coverage and public interest, Bill Gates has categorically denied the claims contained in the Epstein-linked documents. A spokesperson for Gates described the allegations as “absolutely absurd and completely false.” According to reports, Gates’ team emphasized that the documents reflect Epstein’s tendency to boast, manipulate and defame others when relationships with him ended.
Gates has acknowledged in previous interviews that his connections with Epstein were a serious mistake. He has characterized their interactions as limited and centered on philanthropic discussions, particularly about global health funding, rather than any personal or business alliance. Those meetings, Gates said, were regrettable and did not result in ongoing collaboration.
Yet no independent evidence has emerged to corroborate the specific personal allegations that appear in the draft emails. Journalists covering the release have made it clear that these items remain allegations within unverified drafts written by a convicted sex offender with a documented history of unethical behavior.
Implications of the Documents Being Public
The inclusion of such allegations—whether substantiated or not—highlights a fundamental issue with the DOJ’s decision to make this tranche of files public. While the transparency law was intended to shed light on Epstein’s network and the breadth of his connections, it also exposes unvetted and potentially defamatory material to global audiences. Without context, metadata or corroboration, draft emails like those attributed to Epstein can be misconstrued as factual evidence rather than internal notes or hypothetical schematics.
In the case of Gates, the media frenzy illustrates how high-profile individuals can be swept into controversy based on documents that carry no evidentiary weight. Gates is not the only public figure mentioned in the files; the release also includes references to Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Bill Clinton and others, though the DOJ has repeatedly emphasized that mention alone does not equate to culpability or involvement in Epstein’s criminal acts.
Context: Gates’ Prior Interactions With Epstein
Bill Gates first met Epstein in the early 2010s, a fact that has been reported in multiple outlets over the years. At the time, Gates was seeking ways to engage wealthy donors and expand philanthropic efforts, particularly in global health. Epstein offered access to elite networks and suggested ways to bolster funding. Gates later told PBS NewsHour that his discussions with Epstein were meant to explore philanthropic opportunities but ultimately did not produce any concrete collaboration. Reflecting on those interactions, he said he was “foolish” to spend time with Epstein, given Epstein’s criminal history.
Melinda French Gates, who divorced Gates in 2021, has publicly acknowledged that Gates’ relationship with Epstein played a role in the strain on their marriage. While she did not detail specifics about personal conduct, she described Epstein as an “evil personified” and said his involvement contributed to her discomfort and the eventual dissolution of the relationship.
Why Verification Matters
The intense public interest in Epstein’s files has raised important questions about how unverified information should be treated by news organizations and disseminated by government bodies. Draft emails, notes sent only to oneself and speculative drafts—such as those attributed to Epstein—do not meet typical journalistic standards for verified allegations, yet their inclusion in a public database ensures they will be widely read without context.
Legal experts and media ethicists often stress that allegations in unverified documents should be clearly framed as such, especially when they involve personal or reputational claims about identifiable individuals. The Gates case has become a prominent example of the risks inherent in releasing raw investigative material without thorough contextualization.
Looking Forward
As the DOJ continues the phased release of remaining Epstein materials, observers can expect additional mentions of public figures and further debate over the nature of transparency versus the propagation of unfounded claims. For Bill Gates, the current controversy serves as a reminder of how rapidly unverified claims can drive public perception—even when they are strongly denied and lack corroboration.
In the coming weeks and months, journalists and researchers will likely continue to sift through the documents, seeking to separate substantiated facts from speculation, rumor and draft material that Epstein himself authored but never disseminated. For now, the focus remains on accurately representing what the files actually contain, while upholding standards of verification and fairness in reporting.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
