"Not a friendly split": Inside Bill and Melinda Gates' divorce talks
Bill and Melinda Gates reportedly made the decision to divorce several months before they announced it on May 3.
The Microsoft founder, 65, and his wife of 27 years announced their split on Monday.
Melinda, 56, reportedly rented Calivigny Island in Grenada at a cost of $A160,000 per night to avoid media scrutiny in the wake of the divorce, according to TMZ.
The plan was for the couple's three children and Melinda to ride out the media attention into the split at the island.
Sources told the outlet that the split was “not friendly”.
“First, we’re told this was not a friendly split,” the publication alleged.
“We’re told Melinda and most of the family were furious at Bill for various things they claim he had done.
“Second… it’s clear this divorce has been a long time in the making.”
Bill and Melinda have not spoken in the days since announcing their divorce in twin statements online.
“Over the last 27 years, we have raised three incredible children and built a foundation that works all over the world to enable all people to lead healthy, productive lives,” they wrote.
“We 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.”
The pair met at Microsoft and began dating in 1987 following a trade fair in New York.