In a heartfelt interview, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates confirmed his new romantic relationship with philanthropist Paula Hurd, following his highly publicised divorce from Melinda Gates. The 69-year-old tech mogul has made his first public statement about his relationship with Hurd, who was previously married to Oracle’s former CEO Mark Hurd until his death in 2019. Their romance, which began quietly, has since flourished into a serious and committed bond.
Gates opened up about his relationship during a recent appearance on the Today show, where he shared a glimpse into his new life. “I’m lucky to have a serious girlfriend named Paula. We’re having fun, going to the Olympics, and enjoying lots of great experiences together,” Gates said, smiling. This is the first time Gates has publicly acknowledged Hurd as his partner.
The couple made their relationship official in early 2023, after first being seen together in 2022. Since then, the two have been spotted at various high-profile events, including the Paris Olympics, the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony, and the wedding of Anant Ambani. The public nature of their appearances signals that the couple is very much in the spotlight, but Gates seems unfazed by the attention.
Paula Hurd, 60, is a prominent philanthropist and developer. Her late husband, Mark Hurd, passed away in 2019, and Paula has remained active in charitable endeavors. Gates and Hurd share a love for travel, adventure, and philanthropy, which has undoubtedly brought them closer.
Despite his newfound happiness, Gates remains reflective about his past, particularly his divorce from Melinda French Gates after 27 years of marriage. In an interview with The Times of London, he admitted that the end of his marriage was the greatest regret of his life. “The divorce was incredibly difficult for both Melinda and me, and it lasted for at least two years. It’s something I’ll always regret,” Gates shared, acknowledging the emotional toll it took on both of them.
The couple’s divorce, finalized in 2021, attracted widespread media attention, partly due to the involvement of both Gates’ business empire and his personal life. While the divorce was undeniably painful, it was not without its complications. Gates candidly admitted to mistakes he made during the marriage, notably his extramarital affair with a Microsoft employee. “I certainly made mistakes, and I take responsibility for them,” Gates admitted during the interview. He was careful, however, not to go into specifics, as he felt it would be unproductive to revisit the details of their personal struggles.
Another major factor contributing to the breakup of Bill and Melinda’s marriage was Bill’s controversial association with convicted s£x offender Jeffrey Epstein. The connection between Gates and Epstein was one of the most widely criticized aspects of Gates’ personal life in recent years. Melinda Gates, in particular, had expressed her disapproval of her ex-husband’s meetings with Epstein, labeling him “abhorrent” and “evil personified.” Melinda’s feelings were made public when she stated in an interview, “I did not like that he had meetings with Jeffrey Epstein, no. He was abhorrent. He was evil personified.”
Bill Gates has since acknowledged the relationship with Epstein as a “mistake.” He emphasized that he deeply regrets his involvement with the disgraced financier. “It was a huge mistake, and I take full responsibility for it,” Gates said. This acknowledgment of his wrongdoings, coupled with his public mea culpa, demonstrates Gates’ ongoing effort to reconcile his past actions with the man he is today.
Despite the painful memories tied to his divorce, Gates remains optimistic about his future with Paula Hurd. His openness about his relationship, as well as the candid reflections on his past, suggest that he is committed to moving forward. “Life has been difficult at times, but I’m in a better place now,” Gates said. “I’m very happy with Paula, and we’re enjoying this new chapter together.”
For Paula Hurd, the relationship has also brought a sense of renewal. She has found solace in the companionship of Gates, particularly after the loss of her husband, Mark. Her involvement in charity work continues, and her public appearances with Gates have sparked interest in her own role in philanthropy and development.
Gates’ newfound happiness with Hurd marks the latest chapter in a life that has been marked by both monumental achievements and significant personal challenges. As the co-founder of Microsoft and one of the world’s wealthiest men, Gates has long been a global figure. However, the complexities of his personal life, including his divorce and ties to Epstein, have kept him in the media spotlight. His relationship with Paula Hurd signals a shift toward greater emotional stability, as Gates moves beyond the turmoil of his past.
Gates’ reflections on his divorce also serve as a cautionary tale for many. It highlights the impact of personal mistakes, but also the possibility of healing and growth. “You can’t go back in time and undo things, but you can learn and try to be a better person,” Gates remarked. His relationship with Hurd, it seems, is a testament to that philosophy.
Though the future remains uncertain, Bill Gates appears ready to embrace it with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to his relationship with Paula Hurd. As he continues to share his story, it’s clear that the tech mogul is putting his past behind him and looking forward to a life filled with love, adventure, and a brighter future.
For now, Gates remains focused on the present, enjoying the simple pleasures of life with Paula Hurd. “We’re having fun,” he said. “And that’s what matters most right now.”
