On August 14, 2025, Andrew Lownie’s biography Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York was released, quickly drawing attention for its sensational content. Among the explosive claims was one suggesting that Jeffrey Epstein introduced Donald Trump to his eventual wife, Melania. Melania’s legal team responded swiftly issuing a letter demanding a full retraction and apology from Hunter Biden, who had recently reiterated the claim in a widely-circulated video. The threat? A staggering $1 billion lawsuit.
Publisher Reacts and Takes Action
Following the legal threat, HarperCollins UK and the author made the decision to remove the offending passages from future editions—both print and digital—of the book. However, this revision will not apply to the first 60,000 copies already distributed.
What Everyone Said
Hunter Biden staunchly refused to back down. In his interview, he sneered, “F— that. That’s not gonna happen.” and challenged the Trumps to a deposition to clarify the matter. Donald Trump publicly revealed he encouraged Melania to pursue the lawsuit, saying he “let her use my lawyers.” The couple both reaffirmed their account that they met thanks to modeling agent Paolo Zampolli at a 1998 New York Fashion Week event—not through any Epstein connection.
Media Outlets Retract Similar Claims
The fallout didn’t stop with the book. The Daily Beast retracted an article repeating Michael Wolff’s claims after receiving legal pressure. Similarly, political strategist James Carville pulled back podcast remarks along the same lines.
Wider Impact and Reflection
This incident highlights the intense scrutiny and swift legal response high-profile figures must navigate amid defamation threats. Claims linking Melania Trump to Jeffrey Epstein—particularly ones emanating from sensationalist sources—have been met with serious consequences.
Publishing Industry Under Pressure
The controversy surrounding Entitled has also sparked broader debate in the publishing world. Industry experts note that while biographies often tread into sensitive territory, few have faced legal pushback this quickly or dramatically. HarperCollins’ choice to revise the text after publication is seen by some as a pragmatic move to avoid a costly court battle, while others argue it sets a precedent that could embolden powerful figures to silence uncomfortable narratives. Authors and editors alike are now more cautious about relying on unverified claims, especially those involving prominent political families.
Political Ramifications
The issue has also spilled into the political arena. Supporters of the Trumps have framed the lawsuit threat as a defense of Melania’s integrity, while critics suggest it illustrates the family’s aggressive use of litigation to control public perception. Meanwhile, Hunter Biden’s refusal to retract his comments highlights the deep divisions in U.S. politics, where disputes increasingly play out not only in the media but in courtrooms.
Looking Ahead
As copies of the unedited book remain in circulation, speculation continues about how damaging the controversy will be to its credibility. For Prince Andrew, already embroiled in scandals linked to Epstein, the episode is another reminder of how his name remains synonymous with controversy. Whether the legal battles escalate further or fade into the background, one thing is clear: the collision of royalty, politics, and publishing ensures the story will not disappear anytime soon.
