Melania sent shockwaves through the Whitehouse yesterday as she issued a statement about her alleged ties to Epstein.

First Lady Melania Trump reportedly “blindsided” her husband President Donald Trump yesterday (April 9) as she shared a statement around the “lies” surrounding her and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Melania insisted she had “never been friends” with the American financier and the smears “need to end today.”

Melania went on to say online theories she met her husband through Epstein were “mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation”. She then went on to add: “The individuals lying about me are devoid of ethical standards, humility and respect.”

While Trump has since claimed he “didn’t know anything” about his wife’s shock speech, he did back up her claim by stating “she didn’t know [Epstein]”. Trump is currently watching over his conditional ceasefire in the Middle East, with peace talks currently set to take place in Pakistan this weekend.

Since the announcement, in which Melania urged for Epstein survivors to be given the opportunity to speak at Congressional hearings, an expert said it is clear Donald and Melania are now operating on separate tracks, reports the Mirror.

Chartered counselling psychologist, Dr Jane Halsall, described Melania’s recent move as a psychological “assertion of agency”. Trump also being unaware of the statement suggests Melania did not seek approval beforehand, hinting “alignment is absent” in their relationship.

Dr Halsall said: “From a psychological perspective, the fact that Donald Trump was unaware of such a significant and emotionally charged statement by Melania Trump is very insightful into their relational dynamics. It raises important questions about communication, alignment, and autonomy within high-profile relationships.

Advertisement

“In close partnerships particularly those lived out in the public eye there is often an assumption of shared messaging and mutual awareness, especially around issues as sensitive as advocacy for victims. The fact that she didn’t seek approval or share her intentions shows how alignment is absent in their partnership and how both these powerful individuals are operating in parallel rather than in emotional synchrony.

“This doesn’t necessarily indicate dysfunction, but it may suggest a relationship where independence is prioritised over cohesion, or where communication is more strategic than intimate, something that is unusual for a couple in such a high profile position.”

Speculation around the state of Donald and Melania’s marriage has been circulating for years, with Trump’s long-term biographer Michael Wolff claiming last year they are essentially “separated”.

Another source also mentioned in 2023 the couple only come together for the occasional dinner at Trump’s Palm Beach mansion. This claim arose after the President allegedly had an affair with Stormy Daniels.

The source said at the time: “Their paths barely cross. Melania is no different to any woman. Having her husband accused of cheating on her not just once but twice is extremely disturbing. There is little wonder people believe it’s not just the criminal court Trump is heading to but possibly a divorce one too.”

Since the First Lady broke her silence regarding the allegation of her supposed relationship with Epstein, her advisor Marc Beckham told the New York Post that Melania chose to speak out now because “enough is enough”.

He added: “It is time for the public and media to focus on her incredible achievements as First Lady, the lives she has positively impacted, and her commitment to our nation.”

Dr Halshall also believes Melania chose to make this statement without Donald’s approval as she may have been at “risk of being shut down” if she opened up about her plans.

The expert explained: “Melania’s decision to speak in a way that advocated for the victims can be understood as an assertion of personal agency. Her desire to defend herself publicly was to reclaim some control and shift the narrative that she personally was in some way involved in the Epstein files.

“Would she have had the opportunity to share her voice if she had asked permission first? The fact she did not risk being shut down, shows how compelled she felt to get her words across and regain psychological coherence.”

While it should be noted being mentioned in the Epstein files does not automatically indicate any wrongdoing, many people have kept quiet about the controversial files. However, by choosing to speak out, Dr Halshall says Melania is “redefining” the role of the First Lady.

She explained: “In high-profile roles, silence is rarely neutral; it is often interpreted, projected onto, or even weaponised. As a result, her speaking out was about reclaiming authorship over her identity and letting the victims know that they have a powerful First Lady in their corner.

“In this context, her advocacy was a deliberate effort to realign how she is seen with what she believes, an act that, psychologically, reflects both self-protection and self-definition. Psychologically, this reflects a shift from a traditionally symbolic or supportive role and modernises the representation of the first lady into someone that is values led and self-directed.

“For someone in her position, that carries weight. It signals not just a stance on an issue, but a redefinition of identity within the relationship and in the public sphere.”

The Northern Irishman produced the kind of flex associated with a career grand slam winner just as Ryder Cup team-mates Tyrrell Hatton and Justin Rose were closing out their rounds within a shot of the lead.

Rory McIlroy began to strengthen his grip on his defence of the Masters title after moving clear at the top of the second-round leaderboard at Augusta National.

Three successive birdies from the second had put him three clear on eight under but a poor chip at the fifth cost him a shot as he turned in 34.

The Northern Irishman produced the kind of flex associated with a career grand slam winner just as Ryder Cup team-mates Tyrrell Hatton and Justin Rose were closing out their rounds within a shot of the lead.

Hatton’s 66 moved him to four under, while Rose – loser in the play-off last year – reached five under, which had been the score to match at the top, with a 69.

But McIlroy was in no mood for challengers and a wedge to six feet after finding a fairway bunker at the second started his run of birdies.

He chipped to three feet after driving close to the front of the 350-yard third and, having flirted with the greenside bunker at the next, he rolled in a 22-foot putt to get to eight under and celebrate with a fist pump.

But he was fractionally out with his approach to the fifth and a clumsy chip from the fringe rolled nine feet past for bogey.

Patrick Reed, champion in 2018, closed to within one after three birdies in his first 12 holes, with Rose a shot further back but safely in the clubhouse after four birdies in five holes from the seventh boosted a round that was going nowhere.

The 45-year-old would give a shot back after going long at the par-three 12th, but a birdie on the 15th righted that mistake.

Rose said this year’s near miss in a play-off against McIlroy had not had a bearing on his current approach.

“Of course I want to win this tournament. I don’t really need to try any harder,” he said.

“I just think the experience in that is probably trying harder ain’t going to help me so that’s probably the dance I’m doing with myself. I know the intrinsic motivation is there.

“I felt like I got into a bit of cruise control today. I felt like I was cruising through the round and I was on the front foot for the last few hours of the round.

“If I was thinking anything, I was thinking birdie. That’s a nice mode to be in and that felt similar to Sunday last year (when) I felt like I needed to birdie every hole.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

The Press earlier today reported on the pre-packaged sale of the Potion’s Cauldron to the Potions Group, a connected company.

Finance and real estate advisory company BTG says the sale they facilitated saved 72 jobs and sees service continuing across sites in England.

The sale of the business, encompassing its operational assets and trading locations in England, was completed today (fri) following the appointment of joint administrators and licensed insolvency practitioners Asher Miller and Stephen Katz, Partners from BTG’s London office, on the same day.

RECOMMENDED READING:
80 jobs saved as Potions Cauldron enters administration

The York-based company, which operated 10 sites across the North of England and Scotland trading as The Potions Cauldron, Hole In Wand, The Potions Academy and The Potions Express, provided services including potion making experiences, mini golf, and drinks retail and wholesale alongside a growing range of licenced drinks products.

BTG said in a statement that after a number of years of rising costs amidst challenging trading conditions leaving the business in a distressed position, the directors approached BTG’s Restructuring team for advice.

Following a broad accelerated marketing exercise, BTG explained it was clear that a prepacked administration sale would maximise value whilst saving the business and as many jobs as possible, with the strategy and eventual sale to the highest bidder supported by the Company’s primary secured creditor.

The successful purchaser is York-based The Potions Group Ltd, a connected company. The sale includes the business and its sites in York, Leeds, Chester, Blackpool and Seaham, however, the former store in Edinburgh has closed with its four employees being made redundant.

Asher Miller, Restructuring Partner at BTG, said: “We are delighted to have been able to facilitate the prepackaged sale of this unique business to maintain continuity of service to its customers and save 72 jobs across the sites that have been acquired.

“Trading conditions for retailers, hospitality businesses and the leisure industry have been incredibly difficult as low spending and demand from customers is compounded by rising employment costs alongside rises in energy costs and business rates.

“The sale achieved means that service can continue for customers in the majority of locations without disruption and as many jobs as possible have been preserved. We wish the business every success for the future.”

A man in his 30s died at the scene after a blue Yamaha off-road motorbike collided with a barrier used to close a car park

A man has tragically died after a motorbike was smashed into a car park barrier in Bolton. Police and paramedics were called to the incident on Rivington Lane, near Rivington Pike at around 9pm on Wednesday (April 8).

It was reported that a blue Yamaha off-road motorbike collided with a barrier used to close a car park. The rider, a man in his 30s died at the scene and the passenger, a woman in her 30s was taken to hospital with minor injuries. She has since been discharged, Lancashire Police said.

His family are being supported by specialist officers following the fatal incident. Lancashire Police are now appealing for witnesses and footage to come forward.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. And don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

The collision was reported along Rivington Lane, on the approach to Rivington Hall Barn, Rivington. Anyone who also saw the bike being ridden in nearby residential areas is urged to contact police.

Sergeant Andrew Swindlehurst, of the Roads Policing Unit said: “A man has very sadly died following this collision and our thoughts remain with him and his loved ones at this difficult time.

“We are in the early stages of our investigation and I am appealing directly to you, the public, for your assistance. If you witnessed this collision, have any CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage, or have any information that could assist us please do get in touch with us.

“In addition to footage directly around the scene, we are also appealing for any footage of the motorbike being ridden around nearby residential areas. Please contact us on 101 quoting log 1561 of 8th April or email the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at SCIU@lancashire.police.uk”

LONDON (AP) — A charity co-founded by Prince Harry in Africa to honor his late mother, Princess Diana, has sued him for defamation after he stepped down as a patron last year.

Sentebale, which supports young people living with HIV in Botswana and Lesotho, filed suit last month in London’s High Court, according to court records viewed Friday. Online filings show Harry and his friend, Mark Dyer, a former trustee at the charity, are being sued for either libel or slander. No documents were available.

“The charity seeks the court’s intervention, protection, and restitution following a coordinated adverse media campaign conducted since 25 March 2025 that has caused operational disruption and reputational harm to the charity, its leadership, and its strategic partners,” Sentebale said Friday in a statement on its website.

A spokesperson for Harry and Dyer said the pair “categorically reject these offensive and damaging claims.”

The lawsuit puts the Duke of Sussex in an unaccustomed position as a defendant in the High Court. Over the past three years, he has repeatedly been on the other side of litigation as the leading claimant in invasion of privacy suits against Britain’s most prominent tabloids over allegations of phone hacking and unlawful snooping by journalists and the private eyes they hired.

Harry co-founded Sentebale, which means “forget me not” in the language of Lesotho, about 20 years ago in memory of his mother, who was a prominent advocate for treatment of HIV and AIDS and helped reduce stigma around the disease. Prince Seeiso of Lesotho was the co-founder.

Disagreements at the charity surfaced in 2023 over a new fundraising strategy, and the two founders stepped down as patrons in March 2025 in support of trustees who had quit.

At the time, they said the relationship between the board and its chair, Sophie Chandauka, was beyond repair. Chandauka later accused Harry of orchestrating a campaign of bullying and harassment to try to force her out.

As the dispute unfolded, Chandauka told Sky News that filming for one of Harry’s Netflix programs had interfered with a scheduled fundraiser for Sentebale and that an incident with his wife, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, became a source of friction.

The Charity Commission for England and Wales investigated and criticized both sides for allowing the issue to become public and damaging the organization’s reputation, but found no evidence of widespread bullying or misogyny at Sentebale.

“Sentebale’s problems played out in the public eye, enabling a damaging dispute to harm the charity’s reputation, risk overshadowing its many achievements, and jeopardizing the charity’s ability to deliver for the very beneficiaries it was created to serve,” commission CEO David Holdsworth said in a statement in August 2025.

Harry’s spokesperson had criticized the commission’s report while Chandauka welcomed it.

___

Gerald Imray in Cape Town, South Africa, contributed to this report.

Ella Walden died after falling off an e-bike

A family have spoken of their devastation after a 13-year-old girl was killed in an e-bike crash. Ella Walden was pronounced dead after the horror incident on Elizabeth Street, Corby on April 7.

Police are now appealing for anyone who may have any footage of what happened to come forward. A-32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and road traffic offences and has been released on bail.

Now, Ella’s family have shared their heartbreak in a tribute, which was released by Northamptonshire Police. It states: “Our lives will never be complete again after losing our beautiful Ella.

“She was the most amazing, strong-willed, feisty girl, with the most precious smile. Ella had an infectious personality and could light up even the emptiest room. She made a lasting impression on everyone she met, and you could hear her before you saw her, so life is so quiet without her.

“As a family, we were the lucky ones to have her as ours, but she has been taken from us far too soon. Ella was incredibly loyal and always stood up for what she believed in.

“She had a kind heart and was always there for anyone who was struggling. Ella loved being in the limelight and truly excelled in drama – she was never happier than when she was performing. She lived life to the fullest.

“To the world she was Ella, but to us she was the world. Life will forever have an empty space without her, but her memory will live on with us all forever.”

In a statement, Police said this morning: “Detectives from Northamptonshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit have arrested a man in connection with an incident which led to the death of a girl in Corby.

“The incident happened on Tuesday, April 7, between 2pm and 3pm, when the girl suffered serious injuries after falling off an e-bike in the town’s Elizabeth Street. She was taken to hospital but sadly died a short time later.

“Now, a 32-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and road traffic offences, in connection with the incident. He has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

“Officers would still like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have CCTV or dash-cam footage of the collision.

“Anyone with information is asked to email CollisionAppeals@northants.police.uk or call the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615, or Northamptonshire Police on 101. Please quote incident number 26000198505 when passing on any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.”

Patrick Kielty’s Late Late Show returned with guests including Patsy Kensit and Young Offenders stars

Advertisement

The Late Late Show made its comeback to television screens this evening following the announcement from programme bosses that it would not broadcast on Good Friday.

Patrick Kielty resumed his presenting role tonight with a guest roster that sparked considerable discussion amongst audiences.

Headlining was actress Patsy Kensit, who discussed with Patrick her recent 242-mile trek across north-east England featured in the latest series of BBC’s Pilgrimage.

READ MORE: Ambulance service warns protesters not to ‘impede’ emergency vehicles during NI fuel demonstrationsREAD MORE: Man charged after alleged assault on two teenagers in Limavady

Patsy is best recognised for her stint in Emmerdale, and she hinted at a possible comeback to the programme. Having endured considerable hardship during her lifetime, she shared how her religious beliefs assisted her in overcoming adversity.

The Young Offenders stars Alex Murphy and Chris Walley, from the RTE series, appeared in the studio to discuss the programme’s revival.

The duo have inhabited these roles for a decade now and reflected on what has made the programme such an enormous success with viewers over the years.

Award-winning journalist Fergal Keane appeared alongside Patrick to discuss his recent departure from the BBC following an impressive 37-year tenure. Throughout his distinguished career, Fergal reported from the front lines of international conflicts spanning nearly four decades. These experiences took their toll, with Fergal opening up about the impact they had on his mental wellbeing.

Comedian and broadcaster Bernard O’Shea spoke about his family life in Limerick alongside his recent surge in online popularity, which has seen him become a viral sensation across social media platforms.

Country singer Cliona Hagan delivered a musical performance on the evening with her rendition of a Shania Twain classic. She also shared some thrilling news as The Late Late Show gears up to hunt for Ireland’s next country music sensation on The Late Late Show Opening Act next Friday, April 17.

However, the star studded line up didn’t impress everyone.

Given the ongoing fuel crisis affecting the nation, numerous viewers questioned why representatives from the recent fuel demonstrations weren’t featured.

One viewer asked: “Why don’t you have Christopher Duffy on to discuss the fuel protests.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Police remained at the scene on Friday

Emergency crews raced to an area in Cheadle Hulme after reports of ‘suspicious items’ being found. It’s thought the discovery was made at a flat at the Fabrick Apartments on Warren Road.

Police had been called to the scene on Friday (April 10) and a number of emergency services vehicles were in attendance. One witness claimed hazardous materials teams were also at the scene.

It was later found that items uncovered were consistent with suspected drug production. The M.E.N understands the items posed no threat or risk to nearby residents and that it was for the production of steroids.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. And don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

No arrests have been made in connection with the discovery. Investigations remain ongoing, GMP confirmed.

A force spokesperson said: “Officers were called to a property on Warren Road, hulme>Cheadle Hulme following a report of suspicious items found.

“Emergency services attended and found items consist with suspected drug production. No arrests have made and enquiries are ongoing.”

Bath came from 21 points down to beat Prem leaders Northampton and reach the semi-finals of the Champions Cup in a breathtaking clash at the Rec.

Northampton were in sensational attacking form from the off, scoring five tries in the opening half hour as the top two sides in England delivered an amazing first 40 minutes.

But Bath were not knocked out and scored four of their own before half-time as the sides shared 61 points before the break.

The hosts’ strength in depth from the bench proved the difference in the second period as Northampton could only manage two penalties.

And a late yellow card under heavy pressure for Saints talisman Henry Pollock proved decisive as replacement Ted Hill drove over to give Bath their first lead with five minutes left.

They held on to seal a famous win and set up a huge match against either Bordeaux Begles or Toulouse in the last four.

Exhilarating, high octane, entertaining – this was the modern brand of rugby which made the Six Nations so captivating in an 80-minute nutshell.

Whether Bath can beat the French giants playing such rugby remains to be seen but the English duo served up a first 40 minutes in particular which will live long in the memory.

Pollock was involved – as he so often is – right from the start, driving over to give Saints the lead after a very early yellow card for Bath number eight Miles Reid.

Fraser Dingwall capitalised on a superb Saints attack to score the second try within six minutes before Tom Dunn barrelled over to reduce the deficit just moments later.

Northampton looked like scoring in every attack and Tom Lockett and Josh Kemeny stunned the home crowd with quick tries to put last year’s beaten finalists 28-7 up.

Finn Russell kicked through and dived on the ball to score for Bath, but when wing Ollie Sleightholme marked his 100th Northampton appearance with a fifth try in the 29th minute it looked like Saints would be reaching a third straight semi-final.

The pace of Henry Arundell and the power of Francois van Wyk brought two quick Bath tries before the half-time whistle though and the momentum had swung the way of the hosts.

Kepu Tuipulotu mauled over to make it a five-point game and while Fin Smith’s boot kept the visitors just about ahead, a wave of pressure made a Bath score feel inevitable.

Pollock ignored the cries of referee Andrew Brace to release a tackle and paid the price with another yellow card, and moments later Hill drove over to level the scores.

Russell had the final word with his boot as the home crowd celebrated a sumptuous comeback and a first appearance in the last four in 20 long years.