Daily Beast apologizes, retracts article alleging Jeffrey Epstein introduced Melania, Donald Trump

The Daily Beast apologized and retracted an article alleging that deceased financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein introduced then-Melania Knauss to her future husband, Donald Trump.

The article included claims made by author Michael Wolff on "The Daily Beast Podcast" on Saturday that Melania was "very involved" in Trump's "relationship" with Epstein, The New York Post reported.

"She's introduced by a model agent, both of whom Trump and Epstein are involved with. She's introduced to Trump that way," Wolff alleged. "Epstein knows her well."

The article was taken down from the Daily Beast website and replaced with an editor’s note apologizing “for any confusion” after the first lady’s lawyers contacted the media outlet. 

“After this story was published, The Beast received a letter from First Lady Melania Trump’s attorney challenging the headline and framing of the article,” the editor’s note reads.

“After reviewing the matter, the Beast has taken down the article and apologizes for any confusion or misunderstanding,” the note added.

In Melania's 2024 memoir, she explained that she met Trump at a September 1998 Fashion Week party at the Kit Kat Klub in New York City. 

“I saw my friend wave at someone behind me. When I turned around, I noticed a man and an attractive blonde woman approaching us,” Melania wrote. “‘Hi. I’m Donald Trump,’ the man said when he reached my table.”

Trump sat down next to her and started a conversation, she recalled.

The article retraction comes as Trump has been pressured to release files regarding Epstein, who died in prison in 2019 while on trial for child sex trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide.