When the DOJ released Jeffrey Epstein documents on January 30, Bill Gates was mentioned multiple times, including in draft notes alleging he contracted an STD and sought secrecy. A May 30 Wall Street Journal story says Gates long worked to cultivate a "calm and approachable" image modeled on Fred Rogers, even using a custom mannequin to test clothing. Draft emails dated July 18, 2013, attributed to Epstein contain explicit accusations that Gates’ spokesperson has called "absolutely absurd and completely false." Melinda French Gates has urged that those named in the records answer lingering questions.
Bill Gates’ ‘Mister Rogers’ Makeover and the Epstein Files: What the Records Say
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When the Department of Justice released a large set of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein on January 30, Bill Gates’ name appeared repeatedly, renewing scrutiny of the Microsoft cofounder and philanthropist.
Image Crafting: Calm, Approachable, Mister Rogers–Style
A May 30 Wall Street Journal report, based on interviews with people close to Gates, described a long-running effort to craft a public persona that evoked the calm, reassuring tone associated with children’s television host Fred Rogers (Mister Rogers). According to the Journal, Gates’ team even used a custom-size mannequin to test clothing combinations and relied on a wardrobe of neutral sweaters, button-down shirts, trousers and the signature glasses to project a "calm and approachable" image.
What The Epstein Files Contain
The documents released in late January included notes and draft emails attributed to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. One draft dated July 18, 2013, appears to be addressed to Gates and complains of a perceived rift in a friendship. In the draft, Epstein also made explicit allegations about Gates’ private health matters.
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"TO add insult to the injury you then subsequently with tears in your eyes, implore me to please delete the emails regarding your std, your request that I provide you antibiotics that you can surreptitiously give to Melinda, and the description of your penis."
It is unclear whether that draft was ever sent or whether other versions exist. Epstein died by suicide in a federal jail cell in 2019.
Responses And Aftermath
A spokesperson for Gates called the accusations attributed to Epstein "absolutely absurd and completely false," according to contemporaneous news reports. The Gates Foundation and Gates Ventures reportedly monitor public opinion and have linked negative headlines to revelations about ties to Epstein.
Melinda French Gates, who filed for divorce from Bill Gates in 2021 after 27 years of marriage, told NPR on February 3 that people named in the records — including her former husband — "need to answer" outstanding questions about the scandal.
Note: This article summarizes reporting in publicly released documents and media coverage; some allegations appear only in drafts attributed to Epstein and have been denied by Gates’ representatives.
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