How Africa News
Social media went into a frenzy on Monday after the world’s fourth-richest person and co-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates, issued a joint statement with his wife Melinda to announce they are getting a divorce after 27 years of marriage.
The 65-year-old philanthropist and his soon-to-be ex-wife broke the news on their Twitter accounts explaining that the decision to go their separate ways was amicable. They, however, added they’ll continue working together as co-chairs of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The foundation, which is one of the world’s largest philanthropic organizations, has amassed over $51 billion in assets, CNBC reported.
“After a great deal of thought and a lot of work on our relationship, we have made the decision to end our marriage,” they said in the statement. “Over the last 27 years, we have raised three incredible children and built a foundation that works all over to enable all people to lead healthy, productive lives.”
The statement added: “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.”
Though the announcement largely came as shock to many, it did not prevent the jokes from flying in. And as usual, Black Twitter did not disappoint with their light-hearted reactions.
Take a look at them below:
so who gets Africa in the divorce
— jab seeker 🙋🏾♂️⏳ (@comradesipho) May 3, 2021
Me showing Melinda Gates that it's Command + C on a Mac pic.twitter.com/CFOW8LXVeD
— The Big Chillin' (@Kofie) May 3, 2021
Bill Gates: I want out of this marriage.
Melinda Gates: pic.twitter.com/qSzQGS2dxV— Zethu💞 👑 (@MsNtfulini) May 3, 2021
What if @BillGates account was hacked?
— Ameyaw Debrah (@ameyaw112) May 4, 2021
Babe, this Bill and Melinda divorce got me thinking about how you opened the Gates to my heart and now I have 27 reasons why i need you back. My heart ain’t micro but for you it’s soft. You got my Word that I'll Excel to make you feel special the way you deserve❤️ pic.twitter.com/p6hVg2zq0H
— Mutengesi Wembatya (@langfordmagaya) May 4, 2021
Apparently the Gates are divorcing, after 27 years of marriage, because Bill Gates went home early one day and caught his wife using a Macbook
— Andile Miya (@Ashiington) May 4, 2021
if you need an open ear, a shoulder to cry on… anything, really… I’m here. https://t.co/V6tvw8N56i
— Silky Johnson. (@poohgaynotnice) May 3, 2021
“Seeing Bill and Melinda Gates not Excel at their relationship has me like “Word?” I wish our Windows weren’t closed but you made it a PowerPoint to stay away. Here’s hoping your future has a better Outlook.” pic.twitter.com/jFaVxrhL53
— Oluwajomiloju (@JomiAdeniran) May 3, 2021
How Melinda Gates’ divorce attorney is pulling up on court day: pic.twitter.com/RBxL1MMpzh
— Carlton Banks’ Burner Account (@banksburner25) May 3, 2021
How Melinda Gates leaving divorce court pic.twitter.com/kgR7AUeQZ5
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) May 3, 2021
