"The lies linking me to the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein must end today. Those fabricating falsehoods about me are people utterly devoid of moral integrity, humility, or self-respect," US first lady Melania Trump stated before cameras at the White House on 9/4.
According to her, "fake images and statements about Epstein and me" have circulated on social media for many years. "Be vigilant and selective with information, because those images and stories are completely untrue," the US first lady added.
She also stated that she "was not a victim of Epstein" and that the billionaire did not introduce her to Donald Trump.
"I met my husband by chance at a party in New York City in 1998. This first encounter is detailed in my book 'Melania'. The first time I met Epstein was in 2000 at an event Donald and I both attended. Before that, I had never met Epstein and knew nothing of his criminal actions," she explained.
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US first lady Melania Trump speaks at the White House on 9/4. *Photo: AFP*
Over the past year, the US Department of Justice has released a large volume of documents related to Epstein. President Donald Trump and former president Bill Clinton both appeared in the documents, though this is not proof of their culpability.
"I never knew anything about Epstein abusing his victims. I was never involved in any way. I was also never on Epstein's plane or visited his private island. I have never been officially accused or convicted of any acts related to pimping, child abuse, or Epstein's other abhorrent behaviors," Melania added.
The first lady called on Congress to hold public hearings for Epstein's victims, aiming to "give them the opportunity to provide sworn testimony".
The event was unannounced, and Melania did not explain why she addressed Epstein at this time. The First Lady's office and the White House have not yet responded to inquiries about her public statement.
President Trump stated that he was also unaware the first lady would issue a statement about Epstein.
Epstein, born in 1953, was arrested in New York in 7/2019 on charges of enticing dozens of minors and engaging in sexual acts with them. The businessman faced 45 years in prison if convicted. Epstein denied all charges and was detained at Manhattan prison, New York. While awaiting trial, Epstein died by suicide in his cell in 8/2019.
Epstein owned the private island of Little St. James in the Caribbean. US media dubbed it "pedophile island", where Epstein was accused of committing sex crimes with underage girls and inviting some celebrities to visit.
According to emails released last year by Democratic members of the House Oversight Committee, Epstein repeatedly mentioned Trump in private messages sent to author Michael Wolff and close associate Ghislaine Maxwell from 2011 to 2019. The US president and his wife also appeared in some photos with Epstein.
Trump has repeatedly denied a close relationship with Epstein, asserting he was unaware of Epstein's abuse of young women. The US president has not been accused of wrongdoing related to Epstein's activities.
