Bill Gates and Melinda Gates' marriage hit rock bottom much before their divorce? Here's what we know

Bill Gates is reported to have been in a sexual relationship with a female employee in 2000 while he was married to Melinda. The issue came to light in 2019 when it was brought to the notice of Microsoft Board of Directors. "Microsoft received a concern in the latter half of 2019 that Bill Gates sought to initiate an intimate relationship with a company employee in the year 2000," Microsoft said in a statement. It further added, "A committee of the Board reviewed the concern, aided by an outside law firm, to conduct a thorough investigation. Throughout the investigation, Microsoft provided extensive support to the employee who raised the concern." Bill Gates stepped down as the member of the board in March 2020  saying he wants to "dedicate more time to philanthropic priorities including global health and development, education, and my increasing engagement in tackling climate change." However, now it is speculated the reason for his stepping down was his past involvement with an employee.

According to a report in the New York Times, Bill Gates asked out his female employees for dates while he was married to Melinda. “Six current and former employees of Microsoft, the foundation and the firm that manages the Gates’s fortune said those incidents, and others more recently, at times created an uncomfortable workplace environment. Mr Gates was known for making clumsy approaches to women in and out of the office. His behavior fueled widespread chatter among employees about his personal life,” reported the New York Times. (Pic source: IANS)

Melinda Gates, who is known for speaking up for women’s rights, was unhappy with her husband’s shielding of his manager of 30-years Michael Larson, against sexual harassment claims. “Mr Gates moved to settle the matter confidentially, Ms. French Gates insisted on an outside investigation. The money manager, Michael Larson, remains in his job,” claims the New York Times.

Melinda Gates is reported to have been upset with Bill Gates continues association with sex trafficking offender Epstein. It is said when Bill Gates and Epstein's association came out in public in 2019, that was the last straw for Melinda. After it she hired a divorce lawyer and stated her marriage is 'irretrievably broken'.