The United States' First Lady has denied any association with Jeffrey Epstein.
In a surprise video statement delivered from the White House on Thursday (9 Apr), Melania Trump sought to address long-standing rumours that the late sex offender had introduced her and her husband, Donald.
Melania began: "Good afternoon. The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today.
"The individuals lying about me are devoid of ethical standards, humility and respect. I do not object to their ignorance, but rather, I reject their mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation."
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She went on to insist: "I have never been friends with Epstein. Donald and I were invited to the same parties as Epstein from time to time, since overlapping in social circles is common in New York City and Palm Beach."
The 55-year-old also used the opportunity to deny ever being a sex trafficking victim of Epstein's, and insisted she was not aware of his sexual abuse crimes until they were brought to light by police.
"To be clear, I never had a relationship with Epstein or his accomplice Maxwell," Melania continued. "My email reply to Maxwell cannot be categorised as anything more than casual correspondence. My polite reply to her email doesn't amount to anything more than a trivial note."
This remark seems to reference an email exchange between her and Epstein's now-jailed accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell from 2002, that came to light following the Department of Justice's staggered release of the Epstein files - federal documents used to convict Epstein on sex trafficking charges in 2019.
In the email, Melania refers to the receiver as 'G', before complimenting her about a story featuring a 'JE' alongside a photo of 'G' shown in the New York Magazine.
The former model also told the receiver she 'cannot wait' to go to Palm Beach, adding: "Give me a call when you are back in NY. Have a great time! Love, Melania."
In her latest announcement, however, the First Lady insists she's not one of 'Epstein's victims'.
"Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband by chance at a New York City party in 1998. This initial encounter with my husband is documented in detail in my book, Melania.
"The first time I crossed paths with Epstein was in the year 2000 at an event Donald and I attended together. At the time, I had never met Epstein and had no knowledge of his criminal undertakings."
Addressing the 'fake images and statements' she's observed 'circulating on social media' regarding her rumoured affiliation with the disgraced media mogul, Melania warned: "Be cautious about what you believe. These images and stories are completely false.
"I'm not a witness or a named witness in connection with any of Epstein's crimes. My name has never appeared in court documents, the depositions, victim statements or FBI in interviews surrounding the Epstein matter.
"I have never had any knowledge of Epstein's abuse of his victims. I was never involved in any capacity. I was not a participant, was never on Epstein's plane and never visited his private island.
"I have never been legally accused or convicted of a crime in connection with Epstein, sex trafficking, abuse of minors and other repulsive behaviour."
The mother-of-one went on to cite several legal 'successes' her attorneys have allegedly secured against groups that have publicly linked her to Epstein - who took his own life whilst awaiting trial in jail in 2019 - naming The Daily Beast, James Carville, and HarperCollins UK.
"The false sneers about me from mean spirited and politically motivated individuals and entities looking to cause damage to my good name to gain financially and climb politically, must stop," she urged.
Finally, Melania encouraged Congress 'to act', insisting that Epstein 'was not alone' in his crimes.
"Several prominent male executives resigned from their powerful positions after this matter became widely politicised," she continued. "Of course, this doesn't amount to guilt, but we still must work openly and transparently to uncover the truth.
"I call on Congress to provide the women who have been victimised by Epstein with a public hearing specifically centred around the survivors. Give these victims their opportunity to testify under oath in front of Congress with the power of sworn testimony."
She concluded: "Each and every woman should have her day to tell her story in public, if she wishes, and then her testimony should be permanently entered into the Congressional Record.
"Then, and only then, we will have the truth. Thank you."
Topics: Melania Trump, Donald Trump, US News, Politics, Crime, Jeffrey Epstein
Rhianna Benson