Melinda Gates, worth more than $6B, brought 'military' level security detail for 'Today' appearance
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Melinda Gates takes no chances when it comes to ensuring her own safety, making sure all bases are covered when she has to make public appearances. Sources revealed that her recent appearance on the 'Today' show was "like a military operation behind the scenes."
Bill Gates’ unexpected split from Melinda after 27 years of marriage left everyone stumped. The co-founders of the Bill and Melinda Foundation took to social media on May 4, 2021, to announce the news of their divorce. According to Melinda, "philanthropy" helped them get through their tough divorce and smoothened "difficult" aspects of their split. However, it has now emerged the billionaire ex-wife refuses to spare any expense when it comes to her security detail.
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'They did a sweep of the entire studio'
"Melinda's recent Today show appearance was like a military operation behind the scenes," one insider told Radar Online. "Her private army of security guards did a sweep of the entire studio a few days before she arrived, identifying all entry and exit points in case of emergency," they added.
In a recent conversation with 'Today's Sheinelle Jones, Melinda spoke about making an impact through "radical inclusion." She spilled the details about her partnership with Flatiron Books to release a new publishing imprint that celebrates authors striving for equality. However, the insider noted that "even high-profile guests like Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, and Michelle Obama didn't feel the need for an advanced team," adding, "Then again, they're not worth 6 billion bucks!"
Melinda received at least $6.3 billion worth of stock in various companies following her public split with her business tycoon ex-husband. The exes were legally divorced in August 2021, officially ending their marriage after meeting at Microsoft in 1987 and tying the knot in 1994.
"After a great deal of thought and a lot of work on our relationship, we have made the decision to end our marriage," the former couple said in a joint statement in May that year, noting how they raised three "incredible children" and "built a foundation that works all over the world to enable all people to lead healthy, productive lives." Melinda and Gates said they were proud of their accomplishments together and dedicated to their shared mission going forward, "but we no longer believe we can grow together as a couple in this next phase of our lives," they concluded.
Is Melinda Gates dating anyone?
MEAWW previously reported how Melinda seemed to have found love again. She had long withheld the name of her new beau, but according to TMZ, she has been dating former reporter Jon Du Pre for a while. With 35 years of expertise in broadcasting, writing, video production, public speaking, and more, Du Pre describes himself as a strategic communications specialist.
Gates admitted during an interview that she never imagined being divorced on the day she was married, according to Otaku Kart. However, when asked if she would be open to dating in the future, she replied in the affirmative. She said she was just putting her toe in the water and found the water to be interesting.