E Jean Carroll, a journalist and former advice columnist, has become notable for winning two significant civil lawsuits against former U.S. President Donald Trump, who was accused by Carroll of sexual assault and defamation. A new documentary by filmmaker Ivy Meeropol chronicles Carroll’s career and her legal battles, highlighting her resilience and the complexities surrounding the high-profile cases.
Carroll, now in her early 80s, first came forward in 2019 with allegations that Trump sexually assaulted her in the 1990s at the Bergdorf Goodman department store in New York City. According to Carroll, what began as a chance encounter where Trump invited her to help pick out lingerie escalated into an attack in a changing room. Trump has consistently denied the accusations, often responding with disparaging remarks that led Carroll to file defamation suits against him.
The two trials resulted in courtroom victories for Carroll. In 2023, a jury awarded her approximately $5.6 million in a sexual abuse and defamation case, which Trump has recently paid. A subsequent defamation trial in 2024 resulted in an $83.3 million judgment in Carroll’s favor, which remains unpaid. In both cases, Trump’s legal team employed tactics aimed at undermining Carroll’s credibility, including intensive cross-examination and attempts to pressure her into withdrawing her claims. Nevertheless, Carroll’s determination saw her prevail in both suits, marking her as the only person to have defeated Trump twice in court.
The documentary explores Carroll’s multifaceted career, tracing her journey from a Midwest upbringing as the daughter of a Republican politician to becoming a prominent figure in New York media throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Known for her tough and witty persona, Carroll gained national recognition as an advice columnist and television host, often challenging conventional feminist perspectives. Archival footage and interviews reveal a woman unafraid to voice controversial opinions, including skepticism of certain sexual harassment claims early in her career, reflecting her complex relationship with feminism and public advocacy.
Throughout the film, Carroll reflects on the impact of the assaults and the subsequent trials on her life, acknowledging the toll of ongoing threats and public scrutiny. She candidly describes the emotional and psychological challenges she faces daily, underscoring the personal cost of confronting powerful adversaries in the public eye. The film also features moments of levity and warmth, including interactions with fellow writer Lisa Birnbach and reminiscences of Carroll’s friendship with author Hunter S. Thompson.
By presenting Carroll's story without apparent editorializing, the documentary offers a nuanced portrayal of a woman who has navigated a difficult and often hostile political and legal landscape with remarkable fortitude. It situates Carroll’s legal victories within the broader context of the #MeToo movement and ongoing debates about accountability, power, and justice in the United States.