Internet reacts as Melinda French Gates talks divorce and new romance: 'I had to go'
Melinda French Gates recently shared her personal journey, discussing the painful end of her 27-year marriage to Bill Gates. She revealed that honesty was key in her decision to leave. While opening up about her new romance, the internet has been buzzing over her massive divorce settlement and candid reflections.
Melinda French Gates is getting real about why she ended her 27-year marriage to Bill Gates ¡ª and she¡¯s not sugarcoating it. Chatting with Stephen Colbert on The Late Show, she opened up about the breakdown of trust in their relationship.
¡®To have a trusted relationship, which is what I wanted in marriage, both partners have to be honest with one another,¡¯ she said. ¡®And if you can¡¯t, you can¡¯t have intimacy and you can¡¯t have trust. So in the end, I had to go.¡¯
Their split in 2021 made headlines around the world, but Melinda says it wasn¡¯t some sudden decision ¡ª it was a long, emotional process, filled with soul-searching (and, according to her memoir, even some pretty haunting nightmares).
Though the breakup was rough, Melinda says she¡¯s grown a lot since. On Good Morning America, she called the whole thing ¡®painful¡¯ but also said there were important lessons in the mess. She¡¯s now sharing those reflections in her new memoir The Next Day, hoping it helps others going through major life pivots.
¡®A pretty great¡¯ new romance
Melinda confirmed she¡¯s in a new relationship, calling it ¡®pretty great.¡¯ She didn¡¯t name names (classic soft-launch energy), but earlier this month she told PEOPLE she¡¯s ¡®very, very happy¡¯ and enjoying this next chapter.
Melinda confirmed she¡¯s in a new relationship, calling it ¡®pretty great.¡¯ (Credit: Instagram)
Fans divided over Melinda¡¯s divorce settlement
While some people are rooting for her, others are calling out the billions she received in the divorce ¡ª and they're not holding back.
One user posted, ¡®She¡¯s out here talking about healing and growth, but let¡¯s not forget she walked away with how much? That¡¯s billionaire-level heartbreak.¡¯
Another added, ¡®Love that she¡¯s thriving, but the whole thing feels like a luxury rebrand. Divorce looks different when you're cashing out.¡¯
While opinions may vary, it¡¯s evident Melinda is embracing the next chapter of her life. What do you think?
Kriti Shukla is a lifestyle journalist with over two years of experience, writing about celebrity fashion, beauty, and culture. She covers trends both on and off the red carpet, with a sharp editorial eye and a knack for spotting what¡¯s current. Based in Delhi, Kriti blends her love for glamour and culture with a deep understanding of the zeitgeist.
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