Overview

• The Daily Beast removed its article alleging Melania Trump met Donald Trump through a Jeffrey Epstein-linked modeling agent after receiving a legal letter from her attorney.
• An editor’s note replaced the original headline—reported on Apple News as “Melania Trump ‘Very Involved’ in Epstein Scandal: Author”—and apologized for any confusion or misunderstanding.
• Michael Wolff’s comments on The Daily Beast Podcast, in which he claimed Paolo Zampolli introduced Melania to Trump via Epstein associates, are still available on YouTube beginning at the 26:36 mark.
• Wolff’s track record of disputed reporting, including criticism by New York Times correspondent Maggie Haberman of his fact-checking on Fire and Fury, has fueled doubts over the validity of his latest allegations.
• The retraction has prompted widespread criticism of The Daily Beast’s editorial standards; critics highlighted its readiness to publish unverified claims and the legal risks involved.