First Lady Melania Trump Disputes Connection to Jeffrey Epstein

In an unusual public declaration on Thursday, First Lady Melania Trump firmly rejected suggestions that she maintained a friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, the deceased convicted sex offender.

The first lady’s statement also addressed speculation about how she met her husband, clarifying that Epstein did not play a role in introducing her to President Donald Trump.

The public statement represents a rare occasion where the first lady has directly addressed controversial topics in the media spotlight.