Reports circulated in several outlets that financier Jeffrey Epstein, who died by suicide in a U.S. prison while under investigation on charges related to sexual abuse, allegedly tried to blackmail Microsoft co founder Bill Gates over a past relationship with a Russian woman. The Wall Street Gazette, citing unnamed sources, echoed these claims and added that the sensational allegation reached the billionaire through informal channels and tabloid-style commentary.
The alleged romance between Gates and Mila Antonova is said to have occurred around 2010. They reportedly crossed paths at a bridge tournament when she was near twenty years old, at a time when Gates was still married to his former wife. The narrative expands to suggest that their acquaintance deepened beyond a casual encounter, although the exact nature of any ongoing connection remains unverified in public records.
According to the same set of reports, Antonova engaged with Epstein briefly in 2013 with the aim of securing investment for an online bridge instruction project. It is claimed that Epstein declined to fund the venture, yet, supposedly acting on her request, he provided a loan to support her efforts. The sources quoted describe Epstein as insisting that he was financially capable of assisting others and that his involvement was motivated by a desire to help people rather than to gain personal advantage.
Subsequent allegations contend that Epstein later pressed for repayment of the costs associated with his perceived involvement in the matter with Gates. A letter is described as having been sent to Gates, implying that Epstein was seeking reimbursement and that he threatened to reveal the alleged relationship if his demand was ignored. A Gates spokesperson supposedly characterized the repayment demand as Gates refusing to finance what he viewed as a private affair rather than a business investment.
In a broader context, outlets that have tracked the story note that Gates has previously advised young people to prioritize personal well-being and to be mindful of their life choices, especially when it comes to public figures and private matters. The reporting underscores a tension between private relationships and the pressures of high-profile wealth, while emphasizing that Gates’ public stance has consistently focused on prudent personal development and responsible conduct. This strand of discussion continues to surface in commentary across media circles, reflecting how personal history can intersect with public perception in high-profile tech circles.