The Gates family’s privacy has been disclosed by none other than a member of the family.
When Phoebe Gates joined the Call Her Daddy podcast for a fun and open chat, she shared a personal story about her father, Bill Gates, that no one saw coming.
Her words offered a fresh glimpse into the life of one of the world’s most famous billionaires, sparking curiosity and conversation everywhere.
What did she reveal, and why is it capturing so much attention?
Bill Gates’ Daughter’s Medical Revelation Goes Viral Online
During the podcast, hosted by Alex Cooper, 22-year-old Phoebe was asked about what it’s like to bring boyfriends home to meet her father, a billionaire known for his tech genius and philanthropy.
With a laugh, she described her dad as “pretty socially awkward,” sharing a lighthearted story about him driving her and a boyfriend to a school dance in complete silence while listening to NPR.
“For the guy, terrifying. For me, it’s hilarious because my dad’s pretty socially awkward”, she said.
Then, casually, she mentioned something surprising: her father has Asperger’s syndrome, a condition on the autism spectrum.
“Like he’s said before, he has Asperger’s. So, like to me, it’s so funny,” Phoebe said.
This comment caught listeners off guard because Bill Gates has never publicly confirmed such a diagnosis.
Phoebe’s remark quickly went viral, spreading across social media and news outlets. While she spoke fondly of her father, the revelation raised questions about whether she had unintentionally shared private family information.
In his 2023 memoir, Source Code, Bill Gates noted that if he were growing up today, he might be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder due to his intense focus and social quirks as a child.
However, he has never explicitly mentioned Asperger’s, making Phoebe’s comment a first from a family member.
Public Reaction and Privacy Questions
The public’s response has been mixed. Some praised Phoebe for her openness, seeing it as a way to reduce stigma around neurodiversity.
Others questioned whether she should have shared such personal details about her father, who is 69 and has not commented on the podcast revelation.
Social media posts on X reflected varied opinions, with some users dismissing the diagnosis as unimportant. Others speculated about its implications for Gates’ public image.
This isn’t the first time the Gates family has faced scrutiny over personal matters.
Bill Gates, a prominent philanthropist through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has been the subject of conspiracy theories, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
His daughter, Jennifer, once addressed false claims about vaccines on Instagram, showing how the family navigates public attention.
Phoebe’s podcast moment highlights the challenge of balancing personal stories with the privacy of a high-profile figure like her father.
What It Means for the Gates Family
Phoebe’s comment offers a rare glimpse into the Gates family’s private life.
As a Stanford student and co-founder of the fashion platform Phia, she is carving her own path while living under her father’s global spotlight.
Her carefree tone on the podcast suggests she views her father’s traits with affection. But the viral reaction shows how even casual remarks can spark widespread debate.
The incident also underscores the evolving conversation around autism and neurodiversity.
By mentioning Asperger’s, Phoebe may have unintentionally contributed to discussions about understanding and accepting different ways of thinking and interacting.
For now, Bill Gates has remained silent on the matter, leaving the public to wonder how he feels about this unexpected moment of family openness.
