New Delhi, April 10 -- The US First lady Melania Trump on Thursday denied that she had any ties to Jeffrey Epstein, rejecting claims she was connected to or victimised by him. In a rare White House statement, she said she and his husband Donald Trump met in 1998, dismissing speculation that Epstein introduced them, and urged Congress to hold public hearings for victims.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump distanced himself from the matter noting that he was not aware of the speech.

"The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today," she said. "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 m...