Melania Trump makes bombshell statement slamming 'lies linking her to Epstein'

US First Lady Melania Trump (Image: Getty)

First Lady Melania Trump has issued a bombshell statement denying any ties to the disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Esptein.

Speaking in the Cross Hall of the White House in Washington, Donald Trump's wife and the US First Lady Melania Trump said: "To be clear, I never had relations with Epstein or his accomplice Maxwell. I was never friends with Epstein. Donald and I were invited to the same parties as Epstein from time to time. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband by chance." She added: "I call on Congress to provide the women who have been victimized by Epstein with a public hearing specifically centered around the survivors." The bombshell statement was totally unexpected, as there had not been any recent revelations linking her to Epstein, who committed suicide while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges in August 2019.

Melanie Trump made the statement to the packed room (Image: Getty)

She continued: "These images and stories are completely false. I'm not a witness or unnamed witness in connection with any of Epstein's crimes.

"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 climbed politically must stop.

"Baseless lies with success and continue to maintain my sound reputation without hesitation."

Mrs Trump also called on Congress to hold hearings with victims of Epstein's abuse.