What Hunter Said — And Why It’s Risky
In the Channel 5 appearance, Biden asserted, “Epstein introduced Melania to Trump,” and then, in a follow-up interview titled as an “apology,” refused to apologize: “F*** that — that’s not going to happen.” Those comments, now amplified across social media and re-reported by major outlets, are the focal point of Melania’s demand.
From a defamation standpoint, public figures like Melania Trump must prove actual malice — that a defendant knew a statement was false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth. That standard, set by New York Times v. Sullivan, remains the governing rule and was just left intact when the Supreme Court declined a recent bid to revisit it. If Melania files, the fight will turn on whether Biden’s reliance on retracting sources and contested claims shows reckless disregard.
The Demand Letter — What It Asks For
The August 6 letter from Melania’s litigation counsel, Alejandro Brito. The letter demands that Biden (and his counsel, Abbe Lowell) ensure the statements are removed and retracted, along with a public apology. It asserts “overwhelming financial and reputational harm” from widespread dissemination — language that previews a damages theory if this becomes a full suit.
