The big picture: Melinda Gates consulted with lawyers at several firms about her divorce "since at least 2019," according to the Journal. According to the Journal, Melinda Gates had concerns about Epstein as far back as 2013. Bill Gates met with Epstein several times starting around 2011, well after the latter was convicted of sex crimes, per the New York Times. Of note: The couple met Epstein in 2013 to discuss philanthropy, and Melinda Gates later voiced her discomfort with these meetings. Her husband and several employees continued with the meetings, per the Journal.