After Melinda Gates's revelations, daughter Phoebe opens up about her sexist breakup
Following her mother Melinda's rare revelations about her personal life, Phoebe Gates has also opened up about her breakup with her longtime 'childhood sweetheart' over a sexist comment .
On a recent episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast , Phoebe revealed how sharing her dream of becoming a US senator someday, led her to end her four-year relationship she once believed would end in marriage.
It was her boyfriend's reaction that struck a nerve.
When the 22-year-old spoke about her senator dreams, she was taken aback with boyfriend's reaction. “I just think if you were a senator, it would be hard for the kids," he had said.
Phoebe immediately replied saying: “What kids? And also, how is that how you’re gonna react to this? That's so negative.”
Phoebe at the time fully believed that she and her ex-boyfriend were "gonna get married". So, she got “a little mad” when her now-BFF Sophia Kianni told her to dump him after four years of togetherness.
The denial
Phoebe Gates recalled feeling “delusional” when Kianni urged her to break up with her longtime boyfriend, believing at the time that Sophia was trying to sabotage her future “husband.” But after the painful split, Phoebe said Sophia became her most supportive friend, offering advice and comfort. As they grew closer, Phoebe noted that once she let her guard down, they realized how much they had in common and formed a strong bond as roommates and business partners.
Beginning of a new story
Phoebe has since moved on with a new beau, Arthur Donald , the 26-year-old grandson of Beatles legend Paul McCartney. The two were introduced through Donald’s aunt, fashion designer Stella McCartney, and have been dating since 2023. While the romance has been steady, they don’t always see eye to eye especially when it comes to apartment decor.
Phoebe said that Arthur “hates” a $20 painting of a pink cassette tape she once bought at a market. “He always takes the painting off the wall,” she said, laughing.
While Phoebe is undeniably part of one of the world’s most recognizable families, she’s also determined to build her own identity and career. The Stanford graduate has established a fashion start-up Phia, and is also a co-host of The Burnouts podcast.
“If the business is successful, people will say, ‘It’s because of her family.’ And a huge portion of that is true,” she told The Times. “But I also feel a huge amount of internalized pressure. I want to earn it.”
Bill Gates himself has acknowledged that Phoebe is “the most different” of his three children.
On a recent episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast , Phoebe revealed how sharing her dream of becoming a US senator someday, led her to end her four-year relationship she once believed would end in marriage.
It was her boyfriend's reaction that struck a nerve.
When the 22-year-old spoke about her senator dreams, she was taken aback with boyfriend's reaction. “I just think if you were a senator, it would be hard for the kids," he had said.
Phoebe immediately replied saying: “What kids? And also, how is that how you’re gonna react to this? That's so negative.”
Phoebe at the time fully believed that she and her ex-boyfriend were "gonna get married". So, she got “a little mad” when her now-BFF Sophia Kianni told her to dump him after four years of togetherness.
The denial
Phoebe Gates recalled feeling “delusional” when Kianni urged her to break up with her longtime boyfriend, believing at the time that Sophia was trying to sabotage her future “husband.” But after the painful split, Phoebe said Sophia became her most supportive friend, offering advice and comfort. As they grew closer, Phoebe noted that once she let her guard down, they realized how much they had in common and formed a strong bond as roommates and business partners.
Beginning of a new story
Phoebe has since moved on with a new beau, Arthur Donald , the 26-year-old grandson of Beatles legend Paul McCartney. The two were introduced through Donald’s aunt, fashion designer Stella McCartney, and have been dating since 2023. While the romance has been steady, they don’t always see eye to eye especially when it comes to apartment decor.
Phoebe said that Arthur “hates” a $20 painting of a pink cassette tape she once bought at a market. “He always takes the painting off the wall,” she said, laughing.
While Phoebe is undeniably part of one of the world’s most recognizable families, she’s also determined to build her own identity and career. The Stanford graduate has established a fashion start-up Phia, and is also a co-host of The Burnouts podcast.
“If the business is successful, people will say, ‘It’s because of her family.’ And a huge portion of that is true,” she told The Times. “But I also feel a huge amount of internalized pressure. I want to earn it.”
Bill Gates himself has acknowledged that Phoebe is “the most different” of his three children.
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