An investigation was opened by the Microsoft board when a female staff alleged that she had a sexual relationship with Bill Gates in the year 2000. It was alleged that the relationship spanned for quite a few years before it ended on friendly terms.
In late 2019, a law firm was hired to check on the allegations. Throughout the investigation, the employee raising the concern was provided extensive support by Microsoft. In 2020, the board decided that Gates should step down from the board of directors. When Gates stepped down in March 2020, he mentioned it was to focus on the “philanthropic priorities”. A spokesperson for Gates also clarified that his decision to step down was unrelated to the allegations.
Recently, Bill Gates and his wife Melinda French had also announced their divorce after a marriage of 27 years. The power couple had met when Melinda was an employee at Microsoft. However, they have agreed to work together at their charitable foundation.
— Bill Gates (@BillGates) May 3, 2021
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