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. From shooting shots at the soon-to-be billionaire divorcee Melinda to posting funny memes, Face2Face Africa shares with you some of the reactions.
Take a look at them below:
