Microsoft wanted Bill Gates to resign because of his relationship with an employee

Microsoft's board decided in 2020 that Bill Gates had to step down.

The decision was made following an investigation into the romantic relationships Gates allegedly had for years with a company employee, relationships deemed inappropriate.

The Wall Street Journal reports it.

Microsoft's board of directors hired a law firm at the end of 2019 to investigate Gates after an employee claimed in a letter that she had had a sexual relationship with the company's founder for years.

During the investigation some board members felt that it was no longer appropriate for Gates to be a part of it.

Gates, according to the WSJ, resigned before the investigation was completed.

Gates' spokesman admits, speaking to the WSJ, that "there was a romantic relationship almost 20 years ago that ended amicably", but stresses that the decision to leave the Board "was not at all related to this issue".

Gates' farewell to Microsoft, adds the spokesperson, was linked to the desire to have more time for philanthropic activities ".