US First Lady Melania Trump unexpectedly addressed the public to deny any connection to Jeffrey Epstein, but her statement had the opposite effect - instead of closing the topic, it brought it back to the center of attention.

"I am not Epstein's victim. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump", Melania stated.

"The lies connecting me with the shameful Jeffrey Epstein must stop today", the First Lady said.

Groups representing Epstein survivors accused the First Lady of deflecting responsibility from federal agencies. Democratic lawmakers demanded she testify before Congress, potentially triggering a major clash between the White House and Capitol Hill.