A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by author Michael Wolff against Melania Trump, ruling that the action was a preemptive attempt to avoid a potential defamation suit from the first lady. The case stems from statements Wolff made linking Trump to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
Judge rules against Wolff's preemptive strategy
US District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil, appointed by former President Donald Trump, issued a 45-page ruling stating that Wolff's claim under anti-SLAPP statutes was presented in a 'somewhat contorted posture.' She noted that Wolff sought a declaration that he would prevail if sued by Melania Trump, but that 'is not how the federal courts work.'
Vyskocil accused Wolff of 'textbook bad-faith forum shopping' by filing his lawsuit in New York before Trump could file her defamation suit in Florida. She wrote that Wolff exhibited an 'inappropriate level of tactical gamesmanship' and dismissed the case, saying the court 'will not be conscripted to oversee an abusively presented spat.'
Background of the dispute
Wolff, author of four books about Donald Trump, filed his lawsuit last October after Melania Trump's lawyer demanded an apology for comments Wolff made about the administration's handling of files related to Epstein. The lawyer warned that Trump would be 'left with no alternative' but to sue if Wolff did not retract his statements, which he claimed caused her 'overwhelming reputational and financial harm.'
Wolff had extensive communications with Epstein, as revealed in Justice Department files, regarding Donald Trump's first presidential campaign. His initial lawsuit was filed in New York state court but was moved to federal court and later sought dismissal or transfer to Florida.
Melania Trump's response
Nick Clemens, a spokesperson for Melania Trump, stated that the first lady 'is proud to continue standing up to, and fighting against, those who spread malicious and defamatory falsehoods.' The dismissal follows a public statement by Melania Trump at the White House denying any affiliation with Epstein and vowing to fight 'unfound and baseless lies.'
'The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today,' she said. 'I have never been friends with Epstein. Donald and I were invited to the same parties as Epstein from time to time, since overlapping in social circles is common in New York City and Palm Beach.'
The ruling allows Melania Trump to proceed with her billion-dollar defamation lawsuit against Wolff in Florida, where she originally intended to file.
