Michael Wolff Sues Melania Trump Over Billion-Dollar Threat

Author Michael Wolff has filed a lawsuit against Melania Trump, alleging that the First Lady threatened to pursue a lawsuit for over $1 billion in damages unless he retracted statements he made regarding her connections to Jeffrey Epstein. The lawsuit was submitted on October 17, 2023, in the New York state Supreme Court located in Manhattan.

In his complaint, Wolff claims that both Melania and her husband, President Donald Trump, have a pattern of using legal threats to silence critics and intimidate those who speak against them. He describes these actions as attempts to create a “climate of fear” that discourages free speech, particularly concerning inquiries into their connections with Epstein, who died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges.

On the same day the lawsuit was filed, Melania Trump’s attorney, Alejandro Brito, issued a statement asserting that the First Lady would take legal action if Wolff did not retract his statements and provide an apology. Brito claimed that the statements had caused “overwhelming reputational and financial harm” to Melania Trump.

Wolff’s lawsuit responds to these threats, stating that they are designed to suppress legitimate inquiry into the couple’s involvement with Epstein. He emphasizes that his comments about Melania Trump being part of Epstein’s social circle and her marriage being described as a “sham” are matters of opinion and public interest.

According to the legal documents, Wolff asserts that he has never claimed Melania Trump was involved in any of Epstein’s criminal activities. He maintains that she was “very involved” in Epstein’s social circle, where she met Donald Trump, and that the couple’s relationship has drawn scrutiny. The lawsuit highlights Wolff’s intent to compel testimony from both Trumps regarding their connections to Epstein.

The case is particularly notable as it comes amid ongoing discussions about the Trumps’ legal strategies and their approach to dealing with public criticisms. Wolff, who has authored numerous books, including several bestsellers about the Trump administration, seeks unspecified damages and aims to challenge the legal and social implications of the threats made against him.

Statements made by Wolff to The Daily Beast and in social media videos have been cited in the lawsuit, with some remarks allegedly taken out of context. His assertion that the marriage between Donald and Melania Trump could be viewed as a “trophy marriage” is described in the lawsuit as a “fair and justified” opinion.

Wolff’s previous interactions with Epstein, including interviews conducted prior to Epstein’s death, add a layer of complexity to the ongoing legal dispute. The outcome of this case could potentially explore the broader implications of the Trump administration’s handling of dissent and criticism.

As the legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen how both parties will navigate the intricate intersection of free speech and reputational concerns in the public eye.