First lady Melania Trump publicly denied any relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, stating she did not know about his crimes and condemning allegations linking her to the late financier.

Speaking at the White House on Thursday, Melania Trump described the accusations as “completely false” and characterized them as smears against her reputation. She said she and her legal team are actively pushing back against what she called “unfounded and baseless lies.”

“The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today,” she said, adding that those making the claims lack “ethical standards, humility, and respect.”

The remarks marked an unusual and direct intervention by the first lady on a politically sensitive issue, particularly as the Trump administration had largely moved past months of controversy surrounding Epstein. Her comments, however, brought renewed attention to the matter in Washington.

Melania Trump also called on Congress to hold public hearings centered on victims of Epstein’s crimes, urging lawmakers to allow survivors to testify openly. She said such a process would help ensure the truth is fully documented.

“Every woman should have her day to tell her story in public if she wishes,” she said. “Then, and only then, we will have the truth.”

Her call was met with support from some Democrats, including Rep. Robert Garcia of California, who urged House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer of Kentucky to schedule hearings without delay.

The first lady’s statement followed the release of millions of pages of documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, legislation passed after sustained public pressure to disclose government records related to Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. While some materials have been made public, lawmakers have criticized the Justice Department for limiting initial disclosures, with officials citing the need to review additional documents and protect sensitive information about victims.

Melania Trump acknowledged that she moved in overlapping social circles with Epstein and Maxwell in New York and Florida, but insisted she was not friends with either. She referenced a past email exchange with Maxwell as “casual correspondence” that did not indicate any meaningful relationship.

“My polite reply to her email doesn’t amount to anything more than a trifle,” she said.

Among the released materials was a brief 2002 email attributed to Melania Trump, as well as a photograph from Epstein’s residence showing her alongside former President Donald Trump, Epstein, and Maxwell. She also addressed speculation about how she met her husband, stating that Epstein played no role and that she met Donald Trump at a New York City event in 1998.

The developments come as the Epstein case continues to generate political and legal scrutiny years after his death, with ongoing debates over transparency, accountability, and the scope of his network.