Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to E. Jean Carroll

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 12, 2026

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving E. Jean Carroll.

E. Jean Carroll is an American journalist, author, and advice columnist, best known for her long-running column 'Ask E. Jean' in Elle magazine. Beyond her media career, she gained significant national attention for her legal battles against former U.S. President Donald Trump. In 2019, Carroll publicly accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in a Manhattan department store dressing room during the mid-1990s. This accusation led to a high-profile defamation and battery lawsuit. In 2023, a federal jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, awarding Carroll substantial damages. A subsequent 2024 trial regarding further defamatory statements resulted in another significant judgment in her favor. Her case has become a landmark moment in the #MeToo movement, highlighting issues of sexual misconduct accountability and the legal ramifications of public speech.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2019: E. Jean Carroll Accuses Les Moonves of Sexual Assault

In 2019, E. Jean Carroll became one of thirteen women to publicly accuse former CBS Corporation CEO Les Moonves of sexual assault. Carroll stated that the incident took place in a hotel elevator during the late 1990s following an interview she conducted with Moonves for a story, an allegation that Moonves has denied.

2019: Initiation of First Civil Lawsuit

In 2019, E. Jean Carroll filed the first of two related civil lawsuits against Donald Trump, which eventually contributed to a total of $88.3 million in damages awarded to her.

2019: Release of What Do We Need Men For?: A Modest Proposal

In 2019, E. Jean Carroll published her book titled What Do We Need Men For?: A Modest Proposal, in which she publicly accused Donald Trump of sexually assaulting her during the mid-1990s.

What Do We Need Men For?: A Modest Proposal

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February 2020: Termination from Elle Magazine

In February 2020, E. Jean Carroll was fired from her position at Elle magazine. Carroll publicly alleged via Twitter that her dismissal was a direct result of Donald Trump's public ridicule and attacks on her reputation, whereas the publication asserted that her termination was strictly a business decision.

2020: Profiling Trump Accusers for The Atlantic

Throughout 2020, E. Jean Carroll authored a series of articles for The Atlantic that provided profiles on several of the 25 women who have accused Donald Trump of sexual misconduct.

January 2021: Vanity Fair Profile of Jill Harth

In January 2021, E. Jean Carroll published a profile in Vanity Fair regarding Jill Harth, a woman who alleged that she had been groped by Donald Trump.

October 2021: This American Life Feature

In October 2021, the radio program This American Life featured E. Jean Carroll in a recorded conversation with Jessica Leeds, another woman who has accused Donald Trump of sexual misconduct.

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2022: Initiation of Second Civil Lawsuit

In 2022, E. Jean Carroll filed a second civil lawsuit against Donald Trump, forming part of the legal actions that resulted in a total of $88.3 million in damages awarded to her.

May 9, 2023: Jury Verdict in Carroll v. Trump

On May 9, 2023, a jury in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York found Donald Trump liable for both defamation and sexual abuse against E. Jean Carroll, awarding her $5 million in damages.

July 19, 2023: Clarification on Rape Finding

On July 19, 2023, Judge Kaplan issued a ruling stating that the term rape was applicable to Trump's actions toward Carroll according to common modern parlance, despite the specific technical definitions found in the New York Penal Law.

2023: Defamation lawsuit against Rudy Giuliani

In 2023, two election workers were awarded $75 million in a defamation lawsuit filed against Rudy Giuliani, a case which the Second US Circuit Court of Appeals referenced in 2025 while upholding an $83 million defamation award against Donald Trump.

January 26, 2024: Defamation Damages Verdict

On January 26, 2024, a jury determined that Donald Trump was liable for defamation regarding comments made following the initial trial, resulting in an additional judgment of $83.3 million in damages for E. Jean Carroll.

September 8, 2025: Appeals Court Ruling

On September 8, 2025, an appeals court panel issued a per curiam ruling that officially upheld the prior verdict and the monetary damages awarded to E. Jean Carroll.

May 27, 2026: DOJ Launches Criminal Investigation into E. Jean Carroll

On May 27, 2026, the Department of Justice initiated a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll to determine if she committed perjury regarding the source of funding for her legal proceedings. In response to the investigation, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche recused himself from the case.

June 2026: Supreme Court Refusal to Hear Appeal

In June 2026, the United States Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal from Donald Trump regarding the dismissal of the first lawsuit, thereby allowing the $5 million verdict in favor of Carroll to remain in place.

June 29, 2026: Supreme Court denies Trump's appeal in Carroll case

On June 29, 2026, the United States Supreme Court denied President Trump's appeal to dismiss E. Jean Carroll's first civil lawsuit, effectively upholding the $5 million judgment against him regarding liability for sexual assault.