Understanding the Case of E. Jean Carroll and Donald Trump

In the mid-1990s, E. Jean Carroll was known in New York City as a talented journalist and amusing advice columnist for Elle magazine. Known as “Auntie E” to readers, she also hosted a cable TV advice show. Her popularity was such that when she crossed paths with Donald Trump at the Bergdorf Goodman store, he recognized her, saying, “Hey, you’re that advice lady!” At the time, Carroll was 52.

However, I was unaware of who she was until I saw her on the cover of New York magazine in 2019. She recounted her encounter with Trump in the store, which she says led to a sexual assault. By this period, Trump had become the President of the United States. After the article’s publication, Trump denied the allegations. He accused her of lying and suggested her claims were politically and financially motivated, prompting Carroll to sue him for defamation.

In 2022, after New York State enacted the Adult Survivors Act, Carroll brought further legal action. The act extended the timeframe for filing claims of sexual abuse, allowing her to add a battery charge along with a new defamation claim based on Trump’s remarks from that year.

In 2019, I reached out to Carroll, proposing a documentary. I had an instinct she had an essential perspective amidst the #MeToo movement. Unbeknownst to me, this decision would lead to an uncertain and, at times, daunting journey with Carroll and her lead attorney, Robbie Kaplan. It provided a glimpse into the obstacles encountered when challenging Trump — a phenomenon I dubbed the Trump effect.

Throughout the pandemic, I developed a rapport with Carroll, later capturing footage at her home as she readied herself for the legal battle against Trump regarding her allegations. Carroll faced challenges from not only the legal proceedings but also scrutiny over whether she was profiting from the associated attention.

I attended the trial in 2023 as an observer. On the third day, while she testified, a lawyer inquired whether filmmakers had approached her for potential documentaries. She confirmed many had, but she disregarded all except mine, which she accepted without financial compensation.

The jury ruled Trump liable for both sexual abuse and defamation. E. Jean Carroll was awarded $5 million in damages. However, the situation continued to escalate when Trump publicly mocked her during a CNN town hall, questioning the legitimacy of her claims and making derisive comments about her to the audience.