Melania Trump defended after her latest speech is branded ‘creepy’ by disconcerted viewers

A speech made by Melania Trump at the International Women of Courage awards earlier this week seemingly left a sour taste in the mouths of a handful of attendees, some of whom slammed the first lady as 'creepy'.

Following the backlash, however, others have rushed to the 53-year-old's defence, believing Melania's message wasn't as insincere as many have accused it to be.

The annual event took place in Washington D.C. on Tuesday (1 April), where the mother-of-one - who shares 19-year-old son Barron with the current United States president - spoke to numerous State Department representatives.

During her speech, Melania began by defining courage as 'strength that is based in love'.

Discussing the list of honourees, she continued: "These extraordinary women illuminate the transformative power of love in shaping our world."

Among those to appear at the awards were Israeli lawyer Amit Soussana, who was held hostage and allegedly sexually assaulted by Hamas for 55 days in Gaza, human rights advocate Henriette Da, Sri Lankan investigative journalist Namini Wijedasa and Amat Al-Salam Al-Hajj of Yemen, who brought worldwide attention to those abducted and forcibly detained Yemenis.

Melania added: "Their journeys remind us that true courage is born from a deep commitment to others, showing that love fuels the call for justice."

She then seemingly attempted to link their tales of bravery to her own life.

"I have harnessed the power of love as a source of strength during challenging times," the Slovenian national went on.

Melania's speech seemingly rubbed some listeners up the wrong way (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

"Love has inspired me to embrace forgiveness, nurture empathy and exhibit bravery in the face of unforeseen obstacles."

Just hours following the speech, however, Melania found herself in hot water as people accused her of comparing their struggles to that of her own.

While one online critic branded her 'the worst first lady ever', another slammed on Twitter: "My god is she creepy."

A third explained: "On its own, not creepy. Teleprompter wooden, yes. But the darker affiliation she has is utterly bizarre and her words are hollow like."

Another slammed: "she’s so…insincere, that her efforts to appear sincere only emphasize the opposite."

Others, however, have defended Melania, crediting her for trying to draw attention to female bravery.

In a passionate response, one fan wrote: "Criticizing someone’s appearance or accent is a cheap shot and says more about your character than hers.

Some have since defended Melania (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

"The First Lady has worked hard to represent our country (for 2nd term now), and her accent reflects her unique journey as an immigrant who became a citizen and now serves in a historic role.

"Maybe focus on her actions or policies if you have a real critique, instead of childish insults".

Another added: "she could find the cure for cancer and you would still ridicule her......

"people like you are tough to be around Debbie downer s ...there is an abundance of good in melania... thank you first lady..."

"Damm.... people don't ever give the first lady a break," penned a third.