Melania Trump denies any ties to Epstein or knowledge of his crimes

US first lady Melania Trump is denying ties to Jeffrey Epstein and knowledge of his crimes, saying on Thursday that the “stories are completely false” and calling online accusations that she was somehow involved “smears about me”.“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.Reading an extraordinary statement at the White House, she denied any association with Epstein and said: “My attorneys and I have fought these unfounded and baseless lies with success.”The 55-year-old former model’s on-camera remarks at the White House came out of the blue, with no explanation for why she would bring up the late sex offender Epstein now.The first lady also called on Congress to hold a public hearing centred on survivors of Epstein’s crimes, with a chance to testify before lawmakers and have their stories entered into the congressional record.