Melania Trump has demanded a retraction and threatened a $1 billion defamation lawsuit against Hunter Biden over an allegation linking her to Jeffrey Epstein.
At a Glance
- Hunter Biden claimed Epstein introduced Melania Trump to Donald Trump
- Melania Trump denies the claim and calls it defamatory
- Legal team set August 7 deadline for public retraction
- Hunter Biden refuses to apologize or retract
- Experts note public figures face high bar for defamation claims
Background on the Dispute
The dispute began after Hunter Biden publicly stated that Jeffrey Epstein had introduced Melania Trump to Donald Trump. Melania Trump’s representatives immediately rejected the allegation, calling it both false and damaging to her reputation. Her legal counsel issued a demand for a public retraction by August 7 and warned of a $1 billion lawsuit if the demand is not met.
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The requested damages are unusually high for a U.S. defamation case, particularly when involving a public figure, due to the requirement to prove actual malice under the New York Times v. Sullivan standard. Melania’s team argues the statement was made knowingly false or with reckless disregard for the truth.
Hunter Biden’s Response
Hunter Biden has dismissed the demand, stating he will not retract his remarks. In public statements, he questioned the legal foundation for Melania’s threat and criticized media attention surrounding high-profile political families. His stance suggests the dispute could escalate into formal litigation, potentially drawing in witnesses and discovery that could further publicize the claim.
Legal analysts suggest that if filed, the lawsuit could hinge on whether Melania can prove both falsity and malicious intent. The case could also test the limits of public figure defamation law when intersecting with politically sensitive topics.
Potential Legal Ramifications
Defamation lawsuits involving political figures often carry significant reputational risks for both sides. While Melania Trump’s team aims to secure a retraction and damages, litigation could also extend the public lifespan of the allegation. If the case proceeds, it may influence how aggressively public figures pursue defamation actions against opponents.