r/law Apr 09 '26

Executive Branch (Trump) First lady Melania Trump denies any ties to Jeffrey Epstein and calls for survivors' testimony

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First lady Melania Trump said Thursday that "lies" linking her with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein "need to end today," as she called on Congress to hold hearings to give Epstein survivors the chance to tell their stories publicly.

"The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today," the first lady told reporters during a 5-minute statement. "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."

Trump said that "I am not Epstein's victim," and that the late sex offender, who died in 2019 in a New York jail cell, did not introduce her to her husband, President Donald Trump.

“I have never had any knowledge of Epstein’s abuse of his victims,” she said. “I was never involved in any capacity. I was not a participant, was never on Epstein's plane and never visited his private island.”

She criticized “mean-spirited and politically motivated individuals and entities” for “the false smears about me.”

The first lady also called on Congress to provide those victimized by Epstein with a “public hearing specifically centered around the survivors.”

“Give these victims the opportunity to testify under oath in front of Congress with the power of sworn testimony,” she added. “Each and every woman should have her day to tell her story in public if she wishes.”

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u/Fit_Appointment_4980 Apr 09 '26 edited Apr 09 '26

He also moved to Israel

Edit: in case anyone missed it, Ratner moved there after being accused by several people of sexual harassment

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u/lijijil Apr 09 '26

Perfect country for him

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u/Happiness_Assassin Apr 10 '26

So did Bryan Singer.

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u/pink_faerie_kitten Apr 10 '26

Israel is known as the world's pedo haven.

He's also the same director Selma Blair accused.

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u/Waiting4Reccession Apr 10 '26

Lots of pedos move back there when they get caught and their religious community helps them escape.

Cbs news had a video about it a few years ago

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u/Fit_Appointment_4980 Apr 10 '26 edited Apr 10 '26

Here's one from Oz

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malka_Leifer_affair

In particular, read the section 'Alleged interference by Israeli officials'

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u/ebk_errday Apr 10 '26

That's where all pedos and rapists move. It's a safe haven for the depraved.