Bill Gates confirms new relationship with Paula Hurd after Melinda Gates divorce

 Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has opened up about his relationship with his girlfriend, Paula Hurd, for the first time ever. 

In an interview on the Today show, Gates, 69, expressed his happiness, saying, "I’m lucky to have a serious girlfriend named Paula. We’re having fun, going to the Olympics, and lots of great things. 

Paula Hurd, a philanthropist and developer, was previously married to former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd until his passing in 2019. 

Gates and Hurd were first spotted together in 2022 and made their relationship official in early 2023. They have been seen together at various events, including the Paris Olympics, Breakthrough Prize Ceremony and Anant Ambani’s wedding. 

In an interview with the Times of London, Bill Gates acknowledged that his divorce from Melinda French Gates after 27 years of marriage remains the biggest regret of his life. 

While he expressed greater happiness in his current life, he candidly admitted that the divorce was an incredibly difficult period for both him and Melinda, lasting for at least two years. 

In the aftermath of the divorce, Bill Gates acknowledged his shortcomings, admitting to causing pain to Melinda during their marriage. 

He specifically mentioned an incident involving an affair with a Microsoft employee, stating, "I certainly made mistakes, and I take responsibility." 

He emphasised that delving into specifics was not constructive but acknowledged the harm caused. 

Another significant factor contributing to their separation was Bill's past association with convicted s£x offender Jeffrey Epstein. 

Melinda publicly expressed her strong disapproval of these interactions, stating, "I did not like that he had meetings with Jeffrey Epstein, no. He was abhorrent. He was evil personified." 

Bill has since acknowledged his relationship with Epstein as a "mistake."