President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has confirmed that he personally requested former President Mohamed Waheed to resign from his role as Special Envoy after disclosures emerged regarding Waheed’s past association with Jeffrey Epstein.

Speaking at a press conference today, President Muizzu stated that he acted immediately upon becoming aware of the matter.

Waheed’s resignation took place on February 3, a day after documents surfaced detailing his prior interactions with Epstein, who was widely accused of sexually abusing minors and other serious crimes.

Responding to a journalist’s question as to why no further action had been taken, President Muizzu clarified

Following public scrutiny over the reported association, Waheed’s office issued a statement asserting that his interactions with Epstein had been strictly professional and limited in scope.

The statement maintained that neither Waheed nor any member of his family had been involved in any of Epstein’s criminal activities.

It further noted that Waheed had met Epstein on only two occasions in an official capacity and had never attended any social events or gatherings hosted by him.

According to the statement, Waheed was unaware at the time of Epstein’s 2008 conviction or the allegations that later became widely known.

The former President also expressed regret over having had any communication or association with Epstein, stating that he had not been aware of the individual’s conduct at the time of their meetings.

The statement concluded by condemning the crimes attributed to Epstein and describing such actions as reprehensible and unacceptable under any circumstances.