Melania Trump denies any relationship with Jeffrey Epstein

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(The Center Square) – In a stunning statement, First Lady Melania Trump denied any relationship with the late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, calling for complete transparency and justice for his victims.

“To be clear, I never had relations with Epstein or his accomplice [Ghislaine] Maxwell,” the first lady told reporters Thursday afternoon in the foyer of the White House. “I have never been friends with Epstein. Donald and I were invited to the same parties as Epstein from time to time.”

The first lady noted correspondence between herself and Maxwell, describing it as “casual.”

“My email reply to Maxwell cannot be categorized as anything more than casual correspondence,” Mrs. Trump said.

Mrs. Trump made it clear that Epstein did not introduce her to her husband, President Donald Trump, explaining that the couple met by “chance.”

She said any accusations connecting her to Epstein as “smears.”

“The false smears 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,” said the first lady.

Mrs. Trump underscored the legal implications of the “baseless lies.”

“My attorneys and I have found this unfound and baseless lies with success and will continue to maintain my sound reputation without hesitation,” said the first lady. “To date, several individuals and companies have been legally obligated to publicly apologize and retract their lies about me, such as, Daily Beast, James Carville and Harper Collins UK.”

In her statement, the first lady called on Congress to act, while underscoring that “Epstein was not alone.”

It is unclear what prompted the statement.