Recently unsealed documents expose the deep and troubling connections between convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and top figures within Microsoft. Far from being a distant acquaintance, Epstein reportedly had a “free pass” into Microsoft’s inner circles — receiving confidential updates, offering unsolicited advice, and even floating the idea of taking over as CEO.
The ties trace back to 2011, when Microsoft was struggling after missteps in the smartphone and search markets, and then-CEO Steve Ballmer’s position was under pressure. Shockingly, Epstein was kept in the loop about the high-stakes search for a new CEO — including details about Bill Gates’ plan to return to day-to-day operations for nine months. One internal source even gossiped in an email that the leadership hunt had been delayed.
How did Epstein gain such access? Through a web of elite connections. Key names include:
- Bill Gates, who met Epstein in 2010 after a personal endorsement from Nathan Myhrvold, Microsoft’s former Chief Technology Officer.
- Nathan Myhrvold, who not only vouched for Epstein but contributed to his 50th birthday book — including risqué wildlife photos and a note saying Epstein gave him “lifestyle advice.”
- Steven Sinofsky, former head of Windows, who shared internal emails about Surface sales failures and even sent Epstein his severance package for feedback.
- Linda Stone, ex-Microsoft exec, who helped Epstein organize an AI symposium in the U.S. Virgin Islands after leaving the company.
- Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn co-founder and current Microsoft board member, who visited Epstein’s private island and stayed in his New York apartment — even planning breakfasts with Gates.
Epstein’s influence extended through personal relationships. Melanie Walker, a former model supported by Epstein through medical school, dated Sinofsky and later worked at the Gates Foundation. Through her and Gates’ advisor Boris Nikolic — who later admitted regret over his ties — Epstein closely monitored Gates’ movements and moods.
In one email, an anonymous sender told Epstein that Sinofsky was unhappy at Microsoft, claiming Ballmer had stolen his work and Gates was complicit. After leaving with a $14 million payout, Sinofsky wrote to Epstein: “I got paid. You will too :)”
Hoffman’s ties remained strong even after LinkedIn’s $26.2 billion acquisition by Microsoft in 2016. Epstein offered tax advice, and the two continued Skype calls until 2018. In 2015, Epstein invited Hoffman to his ranch, advised him to buy a private jet with married pilots, and promised: “I’ll hold your hand through the whole process.”
Despite these revelations, responses from those involved have been limited. Microsoft expressed disappointment over former employees sharing confidential information “in their personal capacities.” Gates called his association with Epstein “a huge mistake” but denied knowledge of his crimes. Hoffman welcomed further investigations, urging the release of all Epstein files. Myhrvold, Sinofsky, and Walker declined to comment.
Source: Olhar Digital
