US First Lady Melania: Epstein did not introduce me to Trump

US First Lady Melania Trump, wife of President Donald Trump, held a press conference at the White House to respond to allegations and the association of her name with the American billionaire Jeffrey Epstein, who was accused of running a sex trafficking ring.

Opening her remarks by stating, "All the lies linking me to the disgraced Jeffrey Epstein must end today," Melania Trump said, "I reject these malicious attempts to smear my reputation. I have never had a friendship with Epstein."

Explaining that they occasionally attended events where Epstein was among the guests due to the overlapping social circles in New York and Florida, Melania Trump said, "I have had no relationship with Epstein or his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. The response I gave to Maxwell via email cannot be characterized as anything more than a casual exchange."

"I am not a victim of Epstein"

Melania Trump stated, "I am not a victim of Epstein. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband by chance at a party in New York in 1998. Our first meeting is documented in detail in my book, 'Melania'. I first encountered Epstein in 2000 at an event I attended with Donald. At that time, I had never met Epstein and had no knowledge of his criminal activities."

"I have never been on Epstein's plane and have never visited his private island"

Noting that there are many fake images and statements on social media regarding Epstein and herself, Melania Trump said, "My name has not appeared in any court documents, transcripts, victim statements, or FBI interviews related to the Epstein case. I was never aware of the abuses against Epstein's victims. I was not involved in any capacity. I am not a participant. I have never been on Epstein's plane and have never visited his private island."

Demanding an end to the smear campaign against her, Melania Trump said she and her lawyers would continue to protect her reputation. Stating that Epstein was not alone in his actions, Melania Trump called for ensuring that women victimized by Epstein could provide sworn testimony before Congress if they wish, in order to expose those involved in the crimes, adding, "Now is the time for Congress to act."

More than 3 million documents related to Epstein had been released

American businessman Jeffrey Epstein, who played a role as a facilitator among politicians, financiers, scientists, and high-profile social circles in America and Europe before the sex abuse scandal, died by suicide in his prison cell in 2019 after being arrested on charges of sex trafficking.

Trump, who had a friendship with Epstein, had stated that he parted ways with Epstein long before he faced charges of sex trafficking and abuse.

Following pressure from the American public regarding the release of the Epstein documents, a law was passed in November with the support of both the Republican and Democratic parties, and more than 3 million documents were released, revealing the dark relationships Epstein had established with many well-known names in the Western world.

News Source: İHA