Melania Trump demanded that Hunter Biden retract comments alleging Jeffrey Epstein introduced her to Donald Trump, with her attorney calling the claim false and threatening legal action.

At a Glance

• Melania Trump’s attorney sent a demand letter seeking a retraction and apology.
• The comments stemmed from an interview with journalist Andrew Callaghan.
• Melania’s counsel describes the statements as false and harmful.
• The Trumps maintain they met in 1998 at a New York Fashion Week event.
• Hunter Biden has not issued a retraction in response to the demand.

The Dispute And The Record

According to the Associated Press, Melania Trump’s attorney, Alejandro Brito, demanded that Hunter Biden retract statements linking her introduction to Donald Trump to Jeffrey Epstein. The statements circulated after an interview with Andrew Callaghan. Melania’s counsel argues that the claim is demonstrably untrue and damaging. The Trumps have long maintained that they met through modeling agent Paolo Zampolli at a 1998 New York Fashion Week party, a narrative repeated in public accounts and in later statements.

Watch now: Melania Trump threatens to sue Hunter Biden over Epstein comments

The legal demand frames the issue as a reputational matter. It cites the prominence of the parties and the potential for widespread public impact. The AP report notes that the remarks were widely shared online, intensifying the fallout and potentially magnifying any alleged harm identified by Melania’s legal team.

Legal Standards And Potential Next Steps

A defamation claim would likely focus on whether the statement can be proven false and whether it was made with knowledge of its falsity or reckless disregard for the truth, given the public-figure status involved. The demand letter typically precedes litigation and offers an opportunity to correct or retract statements. If a retraction is issued, it could mitigate potential damages or end the dispute without a lawsuit. If not, Melania could file a complaint, initiating discovery and motions practice to test the sufficiency of the claims and defenses.

The matter intersects with broader public interest in the historical record surrounding Epstein. However, the specific dispute centers on a single claim about who introduced two individuals, rather than on the underlying criminal cases. The outcome will depend on evidence offered by each side regarding the provenance of the claim and its dissemination.

Context Within Ongoing Coverage

Media outlets have previously revisited timelines of meetings and associations involving the parties. The AP report indicates that similar claims have been contested by the Trumps in the past. Regardless of the legal trajectory, the dispute underscores the scrutiny attached to high-profile figures and the caution required when repeating or amplifying contested narratives. Observers will watch for any formal complaint, a retraction, or a negotiated resolution.

Sources

Associated Press
Sky News
The Guardian (AP syndication)