Melania Trump denies links to Jeffrey Epstein

The First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump, has denied any links to Jeffrey Epstein, telling reporters at the White House that any claims connecting them “must end today.”

In a statement on Thursday, she called on Congress to hold hearings for survivors of sexual trafficking by Epstein.

She also denied online rumors that Epstein had introduced her to Donald Trump, calling them “malicious attempts to tarnish my reputation,” according to BBC, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

There had been no prior notice from her office that she would make a statement about Epstein.

She said she was not a victim of Epstein, with whom she had only “briefly crossed paths” in 2000.

“I had no knowledge of Epstein’s abuse of his victims,” she said. “I was never involved in any way. I did not participate.”

She also denied knowing Ghislaine Maxwell, the imprisoned associate of the well-known financier.