Bloomberg has yanked Bill Gates, co-Founder of Microsoft, off its billionaire list.
The highly respected business platform took the action shortly after the news of Gates divorce to his wife of 27 years, went viral.
Bill and Melinda announced their decision to go separate ways on Monday night, seeking privacy.
“After a great deal of thought and a lot of work on our relationship, we have made the decision to end our marriage.”
“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.
“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,” they said in a joint statement.
Gates, who has a net worth of $130 billion, owns 1.37% of Microsoft’s outstanding shares, which are worth more than $26 billion.
Immediately after the announcement, Gates was taken out of the top billionaires’ list, where he usually hovers in the top four spots.
As of May 2, 2021, Gates was fourth on the index with a net worth of $145 billion, having gained over $13 billion in 2021 alone.
In 1987, an unmarried Gates became the youngest American Billionaire, a record he held until Mark Zuckerberg, the Facebook founder came to the billionaire status in 2007.
Gates got married to Melinda in 1994, after Bill was already named the richest man in America. They have three children together.
Forbes’ real-time billionaire list still has Gates at number four with a wealth of $130 billion.
Financial details of their parting ways are not yet clear but Melinda may take half of her estrange husband’s wealth
