NEWS
Bill Gates finally opens up about divorce, faults self
American business magnate and co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, Bill Gates blamed himself for “messing up” as he opened up about his messy divorce.
The renowned billionaire spoke last week at the exclusive Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference, widely known as “summer camp for billionaires”, in Sun Valley, Idaho.
An attendee at the camp said the Microsoft founder was “emotional” and on the verge of tears as he spoke about his divorce.
During an “off the record” Q&A session that followed Gates’ talk on climate change, CNBC host Becky Quick asked the billionaire about his divorce from Melinda, his wife of 27 years, and the future of the Gates Foundation.
“He fessed up to messing up,” an attendee said. “He basically referred to the fact that it [the divorce] was his fault. He did seem a bit emotional about it,” the attendee added. “He might have been on the verge of tears.”
The attendee said Bill Gates did not use the word “affair” when discussing the end of his marriage. Another attendee described Bill Gates’ confession as “very moving.” The “summer camp for billionaires” was attended by some of the most powerful people in sports, technology and media.
FILE PHOTO: Bill and Melinda Gates attend the Presidential Medals of Freedom ceremonies in the East Room of the White House in Washington, U.S., November 22, 2016. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas/File Photo
On May 3, 2021, the Gates announced they had decided to divorce after 27 years of marriage and 34 years as a couple, but they would keep working together on charitable efforts.
Gates married Melinda French on the Hawaiian Island of Lanai on January 1, 1994 after they met in 1987when Melinda began working at Microsoft. At the time of their marriage, Gates was given permission by Melinda to spend limited time with his ex-girlfriend, businesswoman Ann Winblad.
On May 3, 2021, the Gates announced they had decided to divorce after 27 years of marriage and 34 years as a couple, but they would keep working together on charitable efforts.
