US4 min(s) read
Published 15:02 10 Apr 2026 GMT
A woman who suffered years of abuse from Jeffrey Epstein and his associates has given her thoughts on Melania Trump's recent address about the disgraced financier.
Lisa Phillips was just 21 when she was assaulted by Epstein during a trip to his infamous island, beginning a chilling trend that would continue for years.
Now, the former model and podcast host has told Sky News that there has to be a deeper explanation as to why FLOTUS addressed her rumored links to Epstein.
Americans were confused as Melania made a statement in the White House on Thursday, April 9, despite there being no new revelations or reports claiming to link the First Lady to the convicted sex offender.
Melania, 55, claimed in her statement that she and her husband had only seen Epstein in the New York-Palm Beach social set in a "common" overlap.
Speaking to Sky News, Lisa Phillips said she is "sure there's a reason" the first lady wanted to clarify that she "never had a relationship" with the late pedophile.
The Epstein survivor told the news outlet: "We probably won't find that out for a couple more days or weeks, but I'm sure there's a reason why.
"I think everyone takes their time. I think everyone has a boiling point. There's a lot that has happened in the last nine months."
Melania said while speaking in the Grand Foyer of the White House, that she was aware of "false smears" about her, acknowledging "fake images and statements" linking her to Epstein over the years.
"I am not Epstein's victim, Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband by chance at a New York City party in 1998," Melania said.
"The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today," she said, as Phillips came to the First Lady's support.
"Well, I mean, it's obvious that if she says she wasn't a victim, she wasn't a victim," the survivor advocate said about the address.
The survivor said that the statement was essentially "her trying to let the public know that you've got it all wrong about me".
Phillips further explained: "I just think people need to separate the woman, the wife, from the husband. I think that's really important."
However, she also shared her thoughts on Melania's call for a hearing for survivors, as the former model is in full support.
"I would say I call her bluff, and be like, 'OK, show us what you can do?'" she pointed out, adding that getting in touch with victims should be the next step.
She highlighted: "Wouldn't that be the next step for her? Why would you make a statement like that and then not do anything?
"How can you make a statement like that without first saying: 'OK, I'm here for you. Have the survivors reach out.'"
Phillips wants FLOTUS to "take the next step" so that they can see "justice or accountability" for years of abuse at the hands of Epstein.
She had claimed that she "never" had a relationship with either Epstein or Maxwell, though went on to address an email sent to the latter, which was also found in the infamous Epstein files.
"My email reply to Maxwell cannot be characterized as anything more than casual correspondence. My polite reply to her email doesn't amount to anything more than a trivial note," she claimed of the October 2002 email.
The message read: "Dear G! How are you? Nice story about JE in NY mag. You look great on the picture.
"I know you are very busy flying all over the world. How was Palm Beach? I cannot wait to go down. Give me a call when you are back in NY. Have a great time!
"Love, Melania."
