The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday released about 3.5 million documents linked to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including emails and other materials referencing Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. The release is part of a court-ordered transparency process, not a new criminal investigation.
The files, which include emails, court records, and other documents, mention several high-profile individuals. The DOJ stressed that references in the documents do not imply wrongdoing.
Among the materials is a self-written draft email from July 2013 in which Epstein described Gates as a longtime acquaintance and alleged that he had been asked to delete certain personal correspondence and carry out tasks he later called “morally inappropriate” or “ethically unsound.” These claims remain unverified.
Gates’ representatives have strongly denied the allegations, stating that the email reflected Epstein’s frustration over the lack of any ongoing relationship and accusing him of attempting to “entrap and defame” Gates.
The DOJ noted that many files remain redacted to protect victims and sensitive legal information.
Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in a Manhattan jail on August 10, 2019, while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. Bill and Melinda Gates finalized their divorce in August 2021 after 27 years of marriage.
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