The trial of advice columnist E. Jean Carroll against former President Donald Trump began on Tuesday, as lawyers for both parties presented their opening statements in a Manhattan courtroom. Carroll has accused Trump of raping her in the mid-1990s at the upscale Bergdorf Goodman department store and defaming her by denying the allegations.
Carroll's lawyer, Shawn Crowley, told the jury of three women and six men that his client seeks "to clear her name, to pursue justice and to get her life back." He added that this civil case will be decided based on the balance of probabilities regarding whether Trump raped and then defamed Carroll. If so, damages may be awarded.
Donald Trump did not attend the trial; some believe this decision was made strategically to send a message to jurors that he does not consider these claims serious enough for him to attend. Conversely, Carroll's presence indicated she stands behind her allegations without fear.
Trump's defense attorney Joe Tacopina argued during his opening statement that due to their age—dating back nearly 30 years—these claims should be viewed as suspect or unreliable. However, it is becoming increasingly acknowledged within society that sexual assault survivors often suppress traumatic experiences before coming forward publicly.
Tacopina also employed a common celebrity defense tactic: asserting that accusations were fabricated by an alleged victim seeking money or fame. Given evidence from other individuals who have accused Trump of sexual misconduct over many years—including Jessica Leeds—the credibility of such arguments could face considerable scrutiny during this trial.
New York recently passed its Adult Survivors Act (ASA), providing victims a one-year window in which they can file lawsuits against perpetrators for historic assaults—a key factor allowing this case involving E. Jean Carroll to proceed today despite decades having elapsed since when she alleges being attacked by Donald J.Trump
During Wednesday’s proceedings, Ms.Carroll is expected take stand testify alongside two other witnesses: Lisa Birnbach and Carol Martin, who she claims told about the alleged rape shortly after it occurred. Both women have corroborated Carroll's account in interviews.
Additionally, Ms.Leeds is expected to testify regarding her own allegations that Trump assaulted her on a plane in 1979—grabbing her breasts and attempting to put his hand up her skirt. This further underscores how multiple accusers' experiences could undermine defense arguments that Carroll fabricated her story for financial or personal gain.
As the trial continues, jurors will need to weigh evidence carefully while considering both parties’ conduct throughout this high-profile case involving accusations of sexual assault and defamation against the former president.