Melinda Gates recently opened up about her divorce from Bill Gates during an appearance on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." The couple, who were married for 27 years, announced their split in 2021, citing trust issues as a major factor. Melinda shared that she learned the importance of honesty in a relationship, stating, “If you can’t, you can’t have intimacy and you can’t have trust. And so, in the end, I had to go.”
During the interview, Melinda reflected on her journey and emphasized the need for a trusted relationship. She explained that both partners must be honest with each other to build intimacy and trust. Her remarks came nearly four years after their divorce, which she described as one of the hardest decisions of her life.
When asked about her dating life post-divorce, Melinda blushed and confirmed that she is seeing someone new, although she did not disclose any details about her current relationship. However, it has been reported that she is dating businessman Philip Vaughn.
Melinda also touched on the reasons behind her decision to leave Bill, mentioning his infidelity and his connections with controversial figures, including Jeffrey Epstein. She expressed her disapproval of Bill’s meetings with Epstein, describing him as “abhorrent” and “evil personified.” Bill later admitted that spending time with Epstein was a mistake.
Their divorce has been a topic of public interest, especially as Melinda promotes her new memoir, "The Next Day." In the book, she describes the painful process of their separation and how difficult it was to negotiate a settlement with Bill, known for his tough negotiating style.
The couple shares three children: Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe. Melinda reflected on the challenges of divorce and the impact it has on families, stating, “Divorces are painful, and it’s not something I would wish on any family.”
As Melinda continues to move forward, she emphasizes the importance of trust and honesty in relationships, lessons she learned through her experiences with Bill.