Former Elle magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll testified at a federal court in Manhattan about an emotional account of an alleged rape by former US President Donald Trump.
During a civil case against former President Donald Trump for defamation and sexual assault allegations dating back to 1996, writer E. Jean Carroll made a revelation.
With a voice firm and resolute, Ms Carroll testified, “I am here because Donald Trump raped me, and when I wrote about it, he said it didn’t happen. He lied and shattered my reputation, and I am here to try to get my life back.”
Ms Carroll’s account of the incident began with Mr Trump recognizing her as the “advice lady” and engaging her in conversation.
She recounted how the she felt excited about providing guidance to someone of high status, and later went with him to the lingerie area of a department store in New York.
It was there that the alleged incident occurred, with Mr Trump directing Ms Carroll to try on a body suit, which she declined.
Soon after, Mr Trump shut the door, and Ms Carroll’s confusion turned to horror as she claimed that he sexually assaulted her.
According to Carroll, she managed to free herself by lifting her knee and pushing Trump away before running out of the store.
Reflecting on the experience, Carroll expressed deep regret for entering the dressing room with Trump, acknowledging it as a “very foolish” decision.
The impact of the alleged assault on Ms Carroll was profound, with her telling the jury that she had not had sex since that day.
She also recounted how Mr Trump’s denial of the incident had made her feel powerless, causing significant damage to her reputation.
In response to the accusations made against him, Mr. Trump rejected any involvement and dismissed the allegations as false, referring to them as a “hoax” and a “complete scam.”
In an October 2020 post on his Truth Social platform, he commented that the woman making the allegations was not someone he would typically be interested in.
The case, which has garnered significant media attention, will continue to unfold as both sides present their arguments, and the jury reaches a verdict.
