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Massaging the shooter narrative
In New York, the statute of limitations on the charges E. Jean Carroll (pictured) brought against former President Donald Trump had run out, and if not for New York Adult Survivors Act, only passed in May 2022, her civil case may not have been heard. Carroll sued Trump for defamation in 2019, but that case is stalled in federal court relating to Trump’s status as president at that time, NPR reports. In her civil case hearing, Carroll testified her 1996 encounter with Trump affected her personal relationships, and his social media posts had an impact on her career.
Importantly, in civil cases evidence presented need not prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt — as in a criminal trial — but instead prove liability by “a preponderance of the evidence.” After the verdict was read, Trump posted on Truth Social (via NPR), “I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA WHO THIS WOMAN IS. THIS VERDICT IS A DISGRACE — A CONTINUATION OF THE GREATEST WITCH HUNT OF ALL TIME! [sic].” He did not testify in his own defense. In her testimony, Carroll said, “I am here because Donald Trump raped me, and when I wrote about it, he said it didn’t happen. He lied and shattered my reputation, and I am here to try to get my life back.”
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If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
