In a surprising turn, Bill Gates has made headlines again, this time for a major financial gesture toward his ex-wife Melinda.
Five years after their high-profile divorce, the Microsoft co-founder handed over nearly $8 billion to Melinda’s philanthropic organization, Pivotal Philanthropies, a move that underscores their ongoing connection through charitable work.
The Details Behind the $8 Billion Donation
According to reports from The New York Times, Gates contributed $7.88 billion to Melinda’s foundation in 2024.
This donation is part of a broader $12.5 billion agreement between the former couple, aimed at advancing social progress, particularly for women.
While the specifics of the remaining portion of the $12.5 billion haven’t been publicly clarified, representatives from Pivotal Philanthropies confirmed that the agreement has been fulfilled.
From Marriage to Separation
Bill and Melinda Gates married in 1994 and share three children: Phoebe, Rory, and Jennifer.
Their separation in 2021 marked the end of a 27-year marriage.
Few details of their divorce were made public, and this donation is the first significant financial disclosure linked directly to their split.
The Epstein Connection and Marriage Strains
Melinda has previously cited Bill’s controversial association with the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein as a key factor in their divorce.
While Gates has not directly admitted to infidelity, he acknowledged making mistakes in the marriage and taking responsibility.
Photos released from Epstein’s estate in late 2025 reignited scrutiny of Gates’ relationship with the late financier, including images showing Gates with Epstein and other women, as well as a framed photo of Gates displayed in Epstein’s private island mansion.
Melinda’s Perspective on Trust and Honesty
In an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Melinda opened up about the reasons behind her decision to end the marriage.
She emphasized the importance of trust and honesty in a relationship, explaining that their marriage lacked both.
“If you can’t have honesty, you can’t have intimacy and trust,” she said, reflecting on her choice to move on.
Gates’ Philanthropic Moves
Beyond the divorce, Bill Gates has been actively planning the distribution of his wealth.
In May, he announced intentions to give away 99% of his fortune over the coming decades, leaving just one percent for himself and his children.
This strategy includes winding down the Gates Foundation by 2045 and allocating nearly all of his estimated $200 billion fortune, though Melinda was not involved in the decision-making for these plans.
The Future for the Gates Children
Despite the immense wealth being distributed, the Gates children are still expected to inherit a substantial portion of the remaining fortune.
The donation to Pivotal Philanthropies ensures that Melinda continues her focus on advancing social causes, particularly those affecting women, while Bill moves forward with his ambitious plans to disperse his fortune.
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