Philanthropist Melinda Gates has announced that she is leaving the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which she founded with her ex-husband Bill Gates. She announced this in the social network X on May 13, reports UNN.
Details
After careful thought and consideration, I have decided to step down as co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. My last day at the foundation was June 7
According to the agreement between the former spouses, Melinda Gates will receive $12.5 billion for charitable purposes "for the benefit of women and families" after leaving the foundation.
"This is a critical moment for women and girls in the United States and around the world - and those fighting to protect and advance equality are in desperate need of support," said Melinda Gates.
Commenting on his ex-wife's decision, Bill Gates thanked Melinda French for her contribution to the foundation.
"I'm sorry to see Melinda go, but I'm sure she will have an impact on her future philanthropic work," he wrote on social network X. Bill Gates added that he "remains fully committed to the foundation's work.
Context
Bill Gates and Melinda French got married in 1994. The couple had three children. In 2021, the Gates family announced their divorce.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is the largest private foundation and one of the most influential in the world.