A federal appeals court has upheld a $5 million civil judgment against former President Donald Trump, affirming a jury's findings of sexual abuse and defamation against E. Jean Carroll. This ruling further solidifies Carroll's legal triumph in her pursuit of accountability.
Carroll's life and her legal battles are now the subject of a new documentary, "E. Jean Carroll V. Donald J. Trump," set for release on October 3, 2025. The film will feature actresses Kathryn Hahn, Ellen Burstyn, Lexi Underwood, and Regina Taylor lending their voices to portray Carroll and her legal team. Directed by Robert Greenwald and produced by Brave New Films, the documentary aims to bring Carroll's account to a wider audience, with hopes of influencing voters.
Born Elizabeth Jean Carroll on December 12, 1943, she established a notable career in media, becoming the first female editor at Esquire, Playboy, and Outside magazines. For over two decades, from 1993 to 2019, her popular "Ask E. Jean" column in Elle magazine provided guidance and wit, becoming one of the longest-running advice columns in American publishing. Carroll was reportedly fired from Elle in 2020.
Carroll's legal journey began in 2019 when she accused Donald Trump of sexual assault, an allegation he denied. This led to two civil lawsuits. The first resulted in a jury verdict in May 2023, finding Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, and awarding Carroll $5 million. While the jury did not find Trump liable for rape, they determined by a preponderance of the evidence that he had committed sexual abuse and defamed Carroll through his public denials. A subsequent trial in January 2024 addressed further defamatory statements, leading to an additional $83.3 million judgment, bringing the total awarded to $88.3 million.
Carroll's decision to pursue legal action, particularly under New York's Adult Survivors Act, reflects a broader movement toward addressing past traumas and seeking justice. She has stated that her commitment to the truth "transcends financial considerations," emphasizing the personal courage involved in confronting powerful figures and the importance of bringing such narratives to public light.