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 communications from 2013. Among these files is an email allegedly referencing Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, following a failed business deal involving Gates and JPMorgan Chase. Epstein reportedly described Gates as a longtime friend who had turned against him.

The email reportedly claims that Gates asked Epstein to delete correspondence related to personal matters, including treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, and alleges that Epstein was pressured to carry out errands he described as “morally inappropriate,” “ethically unsound,” or potentially illegal. Epstein also claimed that Gates had suggested he resign from positions linked to BG3 and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, offering a two-year severance package.

Representatives of Bill Gates denied all allegations, describing the emails as reflecting Epstein’s frustration over the lack of an ongoing relationship and accusing him of attempting to “entrap and defame” the Microsoft co-founder. No verified evidence has confirmed any wrongdoing by Gates, and the claims remain unproven.

Bill and Melinda Gates finalized their divorce in August 2021 after 27 years of marriage, agreeing to a multibillion-dollar settlement. Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges in New York.