Melinda Gates spotted without wedding ring at first appearance since divorce
Melinda Gates made her first public appearance since announcing her shocking divorce from Microsoft co-founder Bill — clearly showing that she’s ditched her wedding ring.
The 56-year-old philanthropist wore a striking all-white pantsuit as she took the stage Wednesday at the convened by UN Women in Paris.
As she spoke about empowering women, she held up her left hand next to her face — showing her bare ring finger.
She made no reference to her divorce, but she held her hand steady next to her face for at least four seconds, allowing photographers the time to capture crystal clear images.
It was a stark contrast from her 65-year-old estranged husband, who still wore his wedding band when he made his first appearances after their May 3 divorce announcement.
Melinda was met with applause when she announced that the foundation she still heads with her billionaire ex, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was pledging more than $2 billion to projects fighting for gender equality.
She vowed to fight to help “all women” to “get their power and influence and use it in every possible way.”
“Because women not only should have a seat at the table, they should be in every single room where policy and decisions are being made,” she said.
The Gateses — who have three children together — said they decided to split after “a great deal of thought and a lot of work on our relationship.”
While May’s announcement came as a shock, it has been followed by a string of damning accusations against the Microsoft co-founder, who is , including accusations of cheating.
The couple insisted, however, that they “continue to share a belief in that mission and will continue our work together at the foundation, but we no longer believe we can grow together as a couple in this next phase of our lives. We ask for space and privacy for our family as we begin to navigate this new life.”
