Former President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan has addressed recent public discussion regarding his past interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, reiterating his support for survivors of sexual exploitation and abuse, and announcing his resignation as Special Envoy to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

In a statement issued today, Dr Waheed said it was vital to unequivocally stand with survivors, stressing that sexual exploitation and gender-based violence have no place in any society and that the dignity and rights of survivors must be upheld at all times.

Responding to online claims concerning alleged emails and meetings with Epstein, Dr Waheed stated that any interactions were strictly professional and limited to formal settings in the presence of other officials. He emphasised that neither he nor his family were aware of, or witnessed, any criminal conduct by Epstein.

The statement explained that Epstein had been recommended at the time by influential international figures as a financial adviser capable of providing guidance when the Maldives was facing severe economic difficulty. Dr Waheed clarified that Epstein was never paid and that no financial dealings took place between Epstein and either himself or the Maldivian Government.

Dr Waheed acknowledged that adequate due diligence had not been carried out prior to his initial meeting with Epstein and that he was unaware of Epstein’s 2008 criminal conviction and subsequent incarceration at the time. He stated that, had he known of Epstein’s criminal history, the relationship would not have proceeded beyond the first meeting.

According to the statement, Dr Waheed met Epstein on two occasions in New York: a dinner attended by senior statesmen in September 2012 and a brief visit in May 2014. The first meeting was officially scheduled and coordinated through the President’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

While firmly refuting any wrongdoing during or after his tenure as President, Dr Waheed said the continuing public sensitivity and toxicity surrounding any association with Epstein had made it impossible for him to effectively carry out his mandate. As a result, he tendered his resignation earlier today as Special Envoy to President Dr Muizzu.

Dr Waheed expressed regret over any association with Epstein, stating that had he known the true nature of Epstein’s crimes, he would not have maintained contact “in any way, shape, or form.”