The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Melania Trump suggests GQ writer who received antisemitic abuse over her profile 'provoked' people
The potential First Lady of the US says she does not control her fans
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Melania Trump has suggested a journalist who received antisemitic abuse provoked readers with the profile she wrote about her in GQ.
Julia Ioffe, a respected journalist who has written for publications such as The New York Times and Politico Magazine, produced a wide-ranging feature on Donald Trump’s wife for GQ in April ahead of Mr Trump becoming the presumptive Republican nominee.
Melania, who was interviewed for the profile, denounced the profile as dishonest on Facebook shortly after. Ms Ioffe, who is Jewish, said she received a barrage of antisemitic abuse and attacks after the article was published and she defended herself against Ms Trump’s claims. “This is not a heavily critical article,” she said in response. “There is nothing in it that is untrue.”
In an extensive interview with DuJour magazine, the former model was asked about the GQ profile and the reaction it sparked.
“I have thick skin,” Melania responded. “It doesn’t bother me if they write about me because I know who I am. But what right does the reporter have to go and dig in court in Slovenia in 1960 about my parents? They’re private citizens. If they go after me, it’s different. But to do that, it’s a little bit nasty, it’s a little bit mean.”
The interviewer then asked: “So if people put a swastika on my face once this article comes out, will she denounce them?”
“I don’t control my fans,” she replied, “but I don’t agree with what they’re doing. I understand what you mean, but there are people out there who maybe went too far. She provoked them.”
The profile included an interview with a half-brother Melania has never met and friends from her native Slovenia, as well as an account of her parents and their life. The existence of Melania's half-brother had never been reported on prior to the GQ piece. It also included a suggestion her caviar-infused anti-ageing creams did not sell well. In an angry response on her Facebook page, Melania branded the interview an example of the “dishonest media and their disingenuous reporting” and dismissed Ms Ioffe’s claim about her skin cream as “completely false”.
“There are numerous inaccuracies in this article including certain statements about my family and claims on personal matters,” it went on. “My parents are private citizens and should not be subject to Ms Ioffe’s unfair scrutiny.”
In the same interview with DuJour, Melania also responded to comparisons between her husband and Hitler, where she insisted Mr Trump's proposed ban on Muslims entering the US would only be a short-term measure. “We know the truth. He’s not Hitler. He wants to help America. He wants to unite people. They think he doesn’t but he does. Even with the Muslims, it’s temporary.”