The Daily Beast has removed an article from its website and issued a public editor’s note after receiving a legal challenge from first lady Melania Trump’s attorney over claims involving convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The article, which cited controversial remarks made by author and journalist Michael Wolff during a podcast interview, is no longer available on the outlet’s platform or through major search engines.
The piece originally amplified allegations from Wolff, a long-time biographer of former President Donald Trump, during an appearance on The Daily Beast’s podcast.
The now-deleted article included comments made by Wolff in which he discussed Melania Trump’s alleged connection to Epstein through modeling industry ties.
The headline that appeared on Apple News read: “Melania Trump ‘Very Involved’ in Epstein Scandal: Author.”
That headline, along with the entire article, was removed following receipt of a formal letter from Melania Trump’s legal counsel.
The Daily Beast confirmed the removal in an editor’s note published Wednesday.
“After this story was published, The Beast received a letter from First Lady Melania Trump’s attorney challenging the headline and framing of the article,” the note stated.
“After reviewing the matter, the Beast has taken down the article and apologizes for any