Overview

• The Daily Beast took down its July 30 article citing Michael Wolff’s allegations after receiving a letter from Melania Trump’s attorney contesting the headline and framing.
• The article was replaced with an editor’s note apologizing for any confusion and was also removed from Apple News.
• Michael Wolff’s original podcast interview with Joanna Coles, in which he claimed Melania met Donald Trump through Epstein-connected agent Paolo Zampolli, remains available online.
• Critics have pointed to Wolff’s history of unverified claims to question The Daily Beast’s fact-checking rigor.
• The retraction has reignited debate over legal challenges in journalism and the reliability of sensational Epstein-related reporting.