Democratic strategist James Carville has issued a formal apology and retracted inflammatory statements about First Lady Melania Trump after facing legal threats from her attorneys. The controversy stemmed from a YouTube video in which Carville floated a baseless theory linking Melania’s introduction to Donald Trump with the late Jeffrey Epstein—an accusation with no supporting evidence that triggered swift legal response.

Carville addressed the issue on his podcast, Politics War Room, admitting he had received a legal letter concerning the video’s title and several remarks he made. “We took down the video and edited out those comments… I also retract these statements and apologize,” he said. The original video, titled “The Epstein Connection: TRUMP & MELANIA”, featured a sensationalist thumbnail with photos of Trump, Melania, Epstein, and Ghislaine Maxwell. It also included Carville suggesting, “It’s a real possibility that Melania was introduced to Donald by Jeffrey Epstein.”

The claim was widely condemned as defamatory and reckless, especially given the complete lack of evidence. Legal experts say Melania Trump’s lawyers likely viewed it as a serious violation of defamation laws, prompting immediate action. The retraction included replacing the original video image with a red X overlay and removing the offending commentary.

Carville’s statements did not stop at Epstein. The episode spiraled into broader attacks on Donald Trump’s health, repeating conspiracy theories about alleged medical cover-ups and criticizing Trump’s physical appearance—particularly his hands and ankles. He even revived long-debunked claims regarding Trump’s late physician, Dr. Harold Bornstein, and an alleged raid to seize Trump’s medical records.

Despite Carville’s long history of fiery rhetoric and partisan attacks, the Epstein-related allegation is being seen as a step too far. Critics, including some within his own party, have called the episode a self-inflicted embarrassment and a damaging lapse in judgment. While Carville is known for provocative commentary, this time, he may have crossed a legal and ethical line.