The Story of E. Jean Carroll and Her Legal Battle Against Donald Trump

E. Jean Carroll, renowned as a gonzo journalist and witty advice columnist for Elle magazine, became a fixture in New York City’s public eye during the mid-90s. Her reputation was so widespread that when Donald Trump encountered Carroll at Bergdorf Goodman, he recognized her instantly as the ‘advice lady.’ At that time, Carroll was also hosting a daily TV advice program, solidifying her public persona.

Years later, in 2019, Carroll made headlines again when she publicly accused Donald Trump, by then President, of sexual assault during their meeting years earlier. Following her allegations, Trump rejected her claims and accused her of lying, motivating her to file a defamation lawsuit against him. Trump suggested her accusations were part of a politically and financially driven agenda. As New York State enacted the Adult Survivors Act in 2022, extending the timeframe for filing sexual abuse claims, Carroll expanded her lawsuit to include battery charges alongside a fresh defamation claim.

Ivy Meeropol, director of the documentary titled “Ask E. Jean,” reached out to Carroll, recognizing her as a pivotal voice in the broader #MeToo movement. Meeropol chronicled the unpredictable and often intimidating experiences Carroll faced, including the legal battles involving high-profile figures like Robbie Kaplan and Trump.

Throughout the pandemic, Carroll and Meeropol developed a rapport leading to extensive filming at Carroll’s residence as she prepared her court case. However, Carroll’s legal team expressed concerns about the filming, wary of Trump’s arguments that Carroll was exploiting attention from the case.

During the 2023 trial, Meeropol observed proceedings which confirmed Trump’s liability for both sexual abuse and defamation, resulting in a jury awarding Carroll $5 million in damages. Trump’s response was dismissive, mockingly questioning Carroll’s motivations at a CNN town hall, belittling her in front of a live audience.