The Truth About E. Jean Carroll
In the mid-1990s, E. Jean Carroll stood out as a memorable figure in New York City. Known for her sharp wit and humorous advice columns in Elle magazine, she gained fame as “Auntie E.” Her influence extended to television, hosting a daily advice show. Her popularity led to a chance encounter with Donald Trump, documented by Carroll, who recalls him recognizing her and saying, “Hey, you’re that advice lady!” at Bergdorf Goodman.
Carroll’s narrative reached a wider audience in 2019 when she appeared on the cover of New York magazine. This exposure was due to her allegations against Trump, claiming a sexual assault during their encounter. By this time, Trump had ascended to the presidency. His response was denial, leading Carroll to sue him for defamation, arguing his comments were damaging and untruthful. The legal battle expanded in 2022 following New York State’s Adult Survivors Act. Carroll leveraged this opportunity to push forward claims of battery alongside new defamation allegations resulting from Trump’s statements in that year.
As the #MeToo movement gained momentum, I reached out to Carroll in 2019, proposing a documentary centered around her experiences. I felt her voice was crucial in the changing social landscape. The collaboration with Carroll and her attorney Robbie Kaplan unfolded unpredictably. It offered a firsthand view of the obstacles faced when challenging Trump, a situation I term “the Trump effect.” With much time spent together during the pandemic, I filmed Carroll at home as she readied herself for the legal showdown against Trump, who continued to refute her allegations.
Throughout the trial in 2023, tensions ran high, particularly when Carroll was asked about documentary offers while on the witness stand. Her acknowledgment of my approach was nerve-wracking. She clarified not participating for financial gains but from conviction. The jury reached a verdict holding Trump accountable for both sexual abuse and defamation, awarding Carroll $5 million in damages. The controversy reignited when Trump demeaned Carroll during a subsequent CNN town hall, mocking her credibility and garnering laughs from the audience.