New York Post digs up photos of Melania Trump's nude 'lesbian' photo shoot

Over the course of the election season, anti-Trump groups have attempted to weaken Donald Trump's base by going after his wife, Melania. During Utah's primaries in March, for example, the conservative super PAC Make America Awesome published a nude photo of the Slovenian model with the text, "Meet Melania Trump. Your next first lady. Or, you could support Ted Cruz on Tuesday."

Although the New York Post endorsed Trump in April, the tabloid on Monday continued the trend of "shaming" Melania Trump by publishing her "lesbian-themed pics … from a two-day photo shoot in 1995." The pictures, many of which depict Melania Trump nude, were printed alongside a familiar line: "Here's the nation's would-be first lady."

The pictures were originally taken for the now-defunct French men's magazine Max Magazine, and were defended by their photographer, Jarl Ale de Basseville. "This is beauty and not porn," he said, adding, "I think it is important to show the beauty and freedom of the woman, and I am very proud of these pictures because they celebrate Melania's beauty."

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When reached for comment by the Post, Trump also defended his wife. "Melania was one of the most successful models, and she did many photo shoots, including for covers and major magazines. This was a picture taken for a European magazine prior to my knowing Melania. In Europe, pictures like this are very fashionable and common," he said.