In the mid-1990s, E. Jean Carroll was a well-known journalist and advice columnist for Elle magazine in New York City. She also hosted a daily cable TV advice show. Donald Trump recognized her during an encounter at Bergdorf Goodman, referring to her as the ‘advice lady.’ At that time, Carroll was 52.
Fast forward to 2019, Carroll appeared on the cover of New York magazine. She shared a story about meeting Trump that led to a serious allegation of sexual assault. By then, Trump was President of the United States. Trump denied the accusation, prompting Carroll to sue him for defamation after his comments suggested she was lying and motivated by politics and money. In 2022, Carroll filed another lawsuit, leveraging New York State’s Adult Survivors Act. This legislation allowed claims of sexual abuse to be reopened. She added a battery claim along with a renewed defamation accusation against Trump based on his statements that year.
Filmmaker Ivy Meeropol contacted Carroll in 2019, proposing a documentary centered on her story. Meeropol felt Carroll’s perspective was crucial in the aftermath of the #MeToo movement. This initiative offered a glimpse into the hardships encountered by those who opposed Trump, an experience Meeropol referred to as the “Trump effect.”
During the pandemic, Carroll and Meeropol developed a professional relationship. Filming commenced at Carroll’s home as she readied herself for the legal battle against Trump, who continued to refute her allegations. Carroll’s legal team was initially uneasy about the filming, as Trump accused Carroll of gaining from the attention.
Meeropol observed Carroll’s 2023 trial. On the third day, one of Carroll’s lawyers asked if anyone reached out to her about a documentary. Carroll confirmed many filmmakers had, but she only responded to Meeropol. This revelation was a tense moment for Meeropol, who was not compensating Carroll for her participation.
The trial concluded with the jury finding Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation. They awarded Carroll $5 million in damages. Following the verdict, Trump mocked Carroll during a CNN town hall event, ridiculing her to laughter from the audience.
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