First Lady Melania Trump on Thursday firmly denied any connection to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, dismissing allegations linking them as “mean-spirited” and calling for such claims to “end today.”

In a rare appearance at the White House, she also urged Congress to hold public hearings for survivors of Epstein’s sex trafficking network, advocating for sworn testimony to be entered into the official record.

“I have never had any knowledge of Epstein’s abuse of his victims,” she said. “I was never involved in any capacity. I was not a participant.”

Melania Trump said she only briefly “crossed paths” with Epstein around 2000 and rejected speculation that he introduced her to her husband, Donald Trump.

She also denied knowing Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate who is currently imprisoned. Addressing a previously disclosed 2002 email exchange, she described it as “casual correspondence” and a “polite reply,” downplaying its significance.

The remarks came without prior notice, as the White House had not indicated she would address the Epstein matter in advance.

Melania Trump called on lawmakers to allow victims to testify publicly under oath.

“Each and 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 comments drew a mixed response. Rep. Robert Garcia, a senior Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, said he supported the call for hearings and urged committee chairman James Comer to schedule them promptly.

However, relatives of Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre and other survivors pushed back, arguing that victims have already demonstrated significant courage by coming forward. In a statement, they said additional demands for testimony risk shifting responsibility away from those in power who have yet to fully disclose investigative findings.

“Survivors have done their part. Now it’s time for those in power to do theirs,” the statement said.

The issue has also been the subject of legal disputes. In recent months, publishers and media outlets have retracted unverified claims suggesting that Donald and Melania Trump met through Epstein. The first lady is also engaged in an ongoing legal battle with author Michael Wolff over similar allegations in his book.

Melania Trump said she would continue to defend her reputation against what she described as “unfounded and baseless lies.”

Her statement is expected to renew public scrutiny over the handling of the Epstein investigation and the release of related government files. While President Trump has acknowledged knowing Epstein in the past, he has said he later distanced himself from him.