Elon Musk reacted tersely to remarks by Melinda French Gates regarding her ex-husband Bill Gates and newly released Epstein files. Sharing a clip from her NPR Wild Card podcast interview on X, Musk responded with a single word: “wow.”
Melinda French Gates said the resurfacing of Epstein-linked records had brought back “very, very painful times” from her marriage to the Microsoft co-founder, from whom she divorced in 2021 after 27 years. She expressed “unbelievable sadness” over the allegations and noted that individuals named in the documents must respond themselves. French Gates added, “I am so happy to be away from all the muck,” referring to renewed scrutiny of Epstein’s network.
The documents, part of more than three million released by the US Department of Justice, include emails allegedly drafted by Epstein claiming Gates contracted sexually transmitted diseases after encounters with “Russian girls” and had plans to secretly medicate French Gates. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has strongly denied the allegations, calling them “absolutely absurd” and “completely false.” His representatives said the documents reflect Epstein’s attempts to defame him after their association ended, and Gates has not been accused of wrongdoing by any of Epstein’s victims.
Musk has repeatedly denied visiting Epstein’s island or attending his parties. On X, he stated he had “never been on his ‘Lolita Express’ plane” and “never set foot on his creepy island.” He added that Epstein attempted to persuade him to visit, but he refused. Musk also said he had pushed for the full release of Epstein files and accountability for offenders, despite knowing he would be “smeared relentlessly,” accusing critics of deflection and counter-accusations.
The release, weeks past a statutory deadline, has intensified examination of Epstein’s network, which included business leaders, politicians and celebrities, some of whom maintained contact with him after his 2008 conviction for soliciting sex from a minor. Epstein died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges.
Melinda French Gates said the resurfacing of Epstein-linked records had brought back “very, very painful times” from her marriage to the Microsoft co-founder, from whom she divorced in 2021 after 27 years. She expressed “unbelievable sadness” over the allegations and noted that individuals named in the documents must respond themselves. French Gates added, “I am so happy to be away from all the muck,” referring to renewed scrutiny of Epstein’s network.
The documents, part of more than three million released by the US Department of Justice, include emails allegedly drafted by Epstein claiming Gates contracted sexually transmitted diseases after encounters with “Russian girls” and had plans to secretly medicate French Gates. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has strongly denied the allegations, calling them “absolutely absurd” and “completely false.” His representatives said the documents reflect Epstein’s attempts to defame him after their association ended, and Gates has not been accused of wrongdoing by any of Epstein’s victims.
Musk also mentioned in Epstein files
Musk’s name appears in the Epstein files, including email exchanges between 2012 and 2013 in which Epstein invited him to visit his private island in the US Virgin Islands and discussed travel logistics. While the correspondence indicates Musk considered scheduling a visit, there is no evidence that any trip took place.Musk has repeatedly denied visiting Epstein’s island or attending his parties. On X, he stated he had “never been on his ‘Lolita Express’ plane” and “never set foot on his creepy island.” He added that Epstein attempted to persuade him to visit, but he refused. Musk also said he had pushed for the full release of Epstein files and accountability for offenders, despite knowing he would be “smeared relentlessly,” accusing critics of deflection and counter-accusations.
The release, weeks past a statutory deadline, has intensified examination of Epstein’s network, which included business leaders, politicians and celebrities, some of whom maintained contact with him after his 2008 conviction for soliciting sex from a minor. Epstein died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges.
