One of the women who survived abuse by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has spoken out following First Lady Melania Trump’s unexpected address last week.
At a moment when the Epstein story had largely faded from the headlines — in part due to the joint U.S.–Israel strikes on Iran — Melania made the surprising decision to deliver a public address on Thursday, April 9.
In her remarks, the First Lady firmly rejected claims linking her to Epstein, calling the allegations politically motivated. She stated that she had never been a victim of Epstein and emphasized that she only briefly “crossed paths” with him in 2000, adding: “I have never had any knowledge of Epstein’s abuse of his victims. I was never involved in any capacity. I was not a participant.”
Many in the U.S. were puzzled by Melania’s statement, especially since no new reports or revelations had recently connected her to Epstein. This immediately fueled speculation that she might be attempting to pre‑empt a story that has not yet become public. As of now, there is little clarity on the matter.
In response to Melania’s comments, several Epstein survivors — women who endured abuse by the disgraced financier and his associates — shared their reactions. In a joint letter, they pushed back on her remarks, saying they felt the statement shifted responsibility onto victims who have already come forward.
Meanwhile, Lisa Phillips — who was just 21 when she was assaulted by Jeffrey Epstein during a visit to his notorious island — said she believes Melania Trump must have had a specific reason for emphasizing that she “never had a relationship” with the late sex offender.
Speaking to Sky News, Phillips said: “We probably won’t find that out for a couple more days or weeks, but I’m sure there’s a reason why.
“I think everyone takes their time. I think everyone has a boiling point. There’s a lot that has happened in the last nine months.”
During her address in the White House’s Grand Foyer last week, Melania acknowledged that she was aware of “false smears” linking her to Epstein.
“I am not Epstein’s victim. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband by chance at a New York City party in 1998,” she said.
“The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today.”
Lily Phillips also responded to Melania’s public call for Epstein survivors to have a hearing.
“I would say I call her bluff and be like, ‘OK, show us what you can do,’” Phillips said, adding that reaching out to Epstein’s victims should be the first step.
“Wouldn’t that be the next step for her? Why would you make a statement like that and then not do anything?
“How can you make a statement like that without first saying: ‘OK, I’m here for you. Have the survivors reach out.’”
