Melinda Gates has responded openly to her ex-husband Bill Gates, who recently lamented that their divorce was a "mistake." In an interview with Elle, she reflected on the challenges leading up to their split, emphasizing the personal growth she has experienced since they parted ways in May 2021.
When asked about Bill's sentiment regarding their marriage, Melinda maintained her composure, quipping, "You've clearly Googled more than I have," while rolling her eyes. She candidly stated, "Look, divorces are painful, and it's not something I would wish on any family." In her view, however, the most important step was recognizing her own strength: "I knew when I got divorced, I would be okay on my own. And I think that was the most important thing." Her powerful assertion reveals a woman who is thriving in her newfound independence.
The couple, who first crossed paths in 1987 at a Microsoft sales meeting before marrying in 1994, announced their separation after nearly three decades together—a period during which they raised three children: Jennifer (28), Rory (25), and Phoebe (22). Their split was initially shrouded in controversy, as reports surfaced about Bill’s infidelity and his meetings with the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, which Melinda openly disapproved of. In her own words, she remarked, "I did not like that he had meetings with Jeffrey Epstein, no. I made that clear to him. He was abhorrent. He was evil personified."
In discussions about this painful chapter, Bill reflected on his regrets regarding the divorce, describing it as "miserable for me and Melinda for at least two years." In a January 2025 interview with The Times of London, Bill stated, "You would have to put [the divorce] at the top of the list [of regrets]." Here, he addressed the fallout from their separation and admitted to causing "pain" within his family.
In the wake of their breakup, both Melinda and Bill have embarked on new romantic relationships. Melinda is currently with entrepreneur Philip Vaughn, while Bill has been dating Paula Hurd, the widow of former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd, since early 2023. Despite these developments, the two remain co-parents, fostering a supportive environment for their children. Melinda expressed, "Despite the fact that the divorce wasn't great, having those three kids and the work we were able to do, even if I knew it wouldn't last forever, I would still do it again," as Bill noted in an interview.
In her journey post-divorce, Melinda is focusing on her philanthropic efforts and furthering her commitment to women's empowerment. She resigned from her co-chair position at the Gates Foundation last year but committed to investing $12.5 billion into initiatives that support women and families. With her memoir "The Next Day" set to release in April 2025, she hopes to share her narrative, an evolution from her marriage to her current mission.
Standing apart from the typical billionaire narrative, Melinda strives to show that philanthropy can take various forms. She stated, "I think it’s really important to not see billionaires as a monolith," showcasing her distinctive path. Looking forward, she shared her aspiration for others to see her resiliency: "In five years, I hope people look at me and think, ‘She’s thriving on the other side of a divorce. Just thriving.’" While Bill examines regret and nostalgia for their past, Melinda looks confidently toward the future, embodying strength amidst change.
In summary, while Bill acknowledges the difficulties of their marital dissolution, emphasizing the lessons he's learned, Melinda has shifted her focus to personal growth and empowerment. Both are navigating their new lives with resilience, continuing to uphold their commitments to their children and philanthropic endeavors. The contrasting perspectives of these two influential figures highlight not only their individual journeys but also the nuanced challenges of modern relationships.
