Theranos co-founder's partner addresses documentary: Evans defends his role in film

Billy Evans, the partner of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, held an ask-me-anything session on X on Nov. 3 to address questions about his life and the recently released documentary "You Can See Everything." The session came one day after the film's wide release, which has generated significant discussion regarding the couple's dynamics and intentions during the weeks leading up to Holmes' incarceration.

Holmes was sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2022 after being found guilty of four counts of wire fraud. She is currently serving her sentence at a minimum-security facility in Bryan, Texas. The documentary, directed by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim, followed the couple during their final days of freedom before Holmes entered prison.

During the online Q&A, Evans addressed what he calls the biggest misconception about his role in Holmes' life. He stated that he does not control her, describing her as fiercely independent and strong-willed. "Anyone who actually knows her would find that idea hilarious," Evans wrote. "We are partners in every sense. We challenge each other, disagree, and face the world together."

Evans also responded to specific scenes from the film. He explained why he intervened when Fielder was speaking with Holmes' father. Evans noted that Holmes had only three days left before her imprisonment, making those moments valuable. "I wanted to spend that time together," he said. "He interviewed her parents after she went in. They chose not to include that in the film. I didn't control the edit."

The partner also clarified his use of power of attorney to access Holmes' X profile. He said the couple had discussed the matter over several months and that Holmes knew exactly what they were doing. Evans explained that the account was tied to an old Theranos email and the password was forgotten. "The POA was simply the legal mechanism that allowed me to act on her behalf while she's incarcerated. It was not a substitute for her consent," he wrote.

When asked what he misses most about Holmes while she is away, Evans replied "everything." He described missing her presence, touch, and patience, noting that she makes him a better person. He added that people often confuse wanting someone with needing them, stating, "I need Liz. She should qualify as a medically necessary prescription." He later clarified that he did not miss her scrambled eggs, responding to a user's comment with "Def not this."

Evans shared that he had watched almost all of Fielder's previous work before agreeing to be filmed. He mentioned celebrating Fielder's birthday and a missed Time 100 dinner in Del Mar with his family. The director had previously stated at an October screening in Los Angeles that Evans had not watched the finished film before its Oct. 16 release.

When asked if he regretted agreeing to the documentary, Evans answered, "Not at all." He also addressed the question of what the couple will do first after Holmes' release. "Hold our kids tight and talk all night," Evans replied. The couple shares two children together.

TODAY.com has reached out to Evans, Fielder, and Holmes for additional comment. The film has become both a critical and commercial success, prompting many viewers to question the intentions of the subjects portrayed within it. Evans prefaced his participation in the AMA by noting it needed to be legally permissible.

The documentary continues to spark online conversation about the events depicted in the final weeks of Holmes' freedom. Evans' responses aim to provide context for scenes that have drawn scrutiny from audiences and experts alike.