In a brief statement issued at the White House on Thursday afternoon, First Lady Melania Trump denied ever being friends with Epstein and being a victim of his, and criticized those who have been “lying about me” in regards to links with the disgraced financier. 

“The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today. The individuals lying about me are devoid of ethical standards, humility, and respect. I do not object to their ignorance, but rather, I reject their mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation.”

She said she had “never been friends with Epstein,” and said that she and President Donald Trump had attended some parties in which Epstein was also a guest, “since overlapping in social circles is comon in New York City and Palm Beach.”

“To be clear, I never had a relationship with Epstein or his accomplice, Maxwell,” she said, later adding, “I am not Epstein’s victim. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump.”

She said when she first crossed paths with Epstein at an event in 2000, she “had no knowledge of his criminal undertakings.” She also spoke out against fake images and statements that have been circulating online about herself and Epstein, saying, “be cautious about what you believe. These images and stories are completely false.” 

She said she has not been named in court documents about the Epstein case, she did not have knowledge about Epstein’s abuse of his victims, was never on Epstein’s plane, and never visited his private island. 

This is a breaking story.