Epstein Survivors Slam Melania Trump's Call for Hearings

Epstein survivors are slamming Melania Trump for "shifting the burden" onto them after she called on Congress to hold public hearings with victims of Epstein's abuse.

More than a dozen survivors of the late financier's sexual abuse say they've already shown "extraordinary courage" by coming forward, filing reports, and giving testimony. "Asking more of them now is a deflection of responsibility, not justice," the group said in a statement.

The backlash comes after the first lady urged lawmakers to "listen to and validate the experiences" of Epstein's victims during a rare public statement on the issue. Melania Trump said Congress should "develop appropriate policies and legislation" to prevent such abuses from happening again.

However, the survivors argue that the responsibility lies with those who enabled Epstein's crimes, not the victims. "We have done enough," they said. "It is now time for our government, the rich and powerful, and the famous to take responsibility."

Jeffrey Epstein was a wealthy financier who died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. He had a network of powerful and influential associates, including Prince Andrew and Bill Clinton, who have also faced scrutiny over their ties to the convicted sex offender.

The survivors' statement was signed by 13 individuals as well as the brother and sister of the late Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein's most vocal accusers. They called on the government to "stop re-victimizing us" and hold those responsible accountable.

Critics say Melania Trump's call for hearings puts an unfair burden on victims who have already suffered tremendously. They argue the focus should be on the enablers and co-conspirators who allowed Epstein's abuses to continue for years.