Geralda Otis

Written by Geralda Otis

Modified & Updated: 21 Sep 2024

50-facts-about-e-jean-carroll
Source: Cnbc.com

Who is E. Jean Carroll? E. Jean Carroll is a celebrated American journalist, author, and advice columnist, best known for her witty and insightful "Ask E. Jean" column in Elle magazine. Born on December 12, 1943, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Carroll's career spans decades, marked by her unique humor and engaging writing style. She has written for major publications like Vanity Fair and Playboy, and authored several books, including "What Do We Need Men For?: A Modest Proposal." Carroll's life took a dramatic turn when she accused Donald Trump of sexual assault, leading to a high-profile lawsuit. Her story is one of resilience, humor, and courage.

Key Takeaways:

  • E. Jean Carroll, a prolific journalist and author, faced personal and professional challenges, including a high-profile legal battle with Donald Trump, showcasing her resilience and impact on feminist discourse.
  • Carroll's wit and humor, coupled with her courage in speaking out against sexual assault, have inspired many women and solidified her legacy as a significant figure in American media and literature.
Table of Contents

Early Life and Education

E. Jean Carroll's journey began in the heartland of America. Her upbringing and education played a pivotal role in shaping her future career.

  1. E. Jean Carroll was born on December 12, 1943, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
  2. Carroll grew up in a family that valued education and encouraged her to pursue her interests in writing and journalism.
  3. She attended Indiana University, where she developed her passion for writing and journalism.

Career in Journalism

Carroll's career in journalism spans decades, marked by significant achievements and contributions to the field.

  1. Carroll began her career in journalism in the 1960s, writing for various magazines and newspapers.
  2. In 1993, she started her iconic column "Ask E. Jean" in Elle magazine, which ran for 27 years.
  3. Carroll's writing style is known for its humor and entertainment value, often incorporating personal anecdotes and humorous advice.
  4. She wrote for Saturday Night Live's twelfth season in 1986 and 1987, earning a Primetime Emmy nomination.
  5. From 1994 to 1996, Carroll hosted and produced the television series "Ask E. Jean" on NBC's America's Talking, later MSNBC.
  6. Carroll served as a contributing editor for several prominent magazines, including The Atlantic, Vanity Fair, Outside, Esquire, and Playboy.

Books and Anthologies

Carroll's literary contributions extend beyond journalism, with several notable books to her name.

  1. Carroll authored "Female Difficulties: Sorority Sisters, Rodeo Queens, Frigid Women, Smut Stars, and Other Modern Girls" in 1985.
  2. In 1993, she wrote "Hunter: The Strange and Savage Life of Hunter S. Thompson."
  3. "A Dog in Heat Is a Hot Dog and Other Rules to Live By" was published in 1996.
  4. Her most recent book, "What Do We Need Men For?: A Modest Proposal," came out in 2019.

Personal Life

Carroll's personal life has seen its share of ups and downs, including marriages and relocations.

  1. Carroll has been married twice, first to Stephen Byers and then to John Johnson, an anchorman and artist.
  2. Both marriages ended in divorce.
  3. As of April 2023, she lived in upstate New York.

Controversies and Criticisms

Carroll's career has not been without its controversies and criticisms.

  1. Carroll has faced criticism for her unconventional advice and humorous approach to serious topics.
  2. Some have questioned the authenticity of her advice columns, suggesting they were more entertaining than practical.

Sexual Assault Allegation Against Donald Trump

One of the most high-profile events in Carroll's life involves her allegations against Donald Trump.

  1. On June 21, 2019, Carroll published an article in New York magazine accusing Donald Trump of sexually assaulting her in late 1995 or early 1996.
  2. Trump denied the allegations, stating that Carroll was a "then almost sixty-year-old woman" and implying she had a political agenda.
  3. Carroll initially chose not to describe the alleged sexual assault as rape, instead describing it as a fight.
  4. In her trial testimony, she detailed the assault more clearly, stating that Trump digitally penetrated her and caused vaginal pain before raping her.

Legal Proceedings

The legal battle between Carroll and Trump has been lengthy and complex.

  1. The trial began on April 25, 2023, in federal court at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
  2. The jury was anonymous and transported by U.S. Marshals throughout the trial.
  3. On April 26, Carroll testified about the alleged incident, describing how Trump slammed her against the wall and digitally penetrated her before raping her.
  4. The jury ultimately determined that Trump owed Carroll $83.3 million in damages for defamation.

Financial Backing and Media Coverage

Carroll's case has received significant attention and financial support.

  1. Carroll is financially backed by anti-Trump Democrat megadonor Reid Hoffman.
  2. The media coverage of Carroll's allegations against Trump has been extensive, with many outlets focusing on the political implications rather than the personal aspects of the case.

Public Reaction and Impact on Reputation

The public's reaction to Carroll's allegations has been mixed, affecting her reputation.

  1. The public reaction to Carroll's allegations has been mixed, with some expressing support and others questioning her motives.
  2. Carroll's allegations against Trump have significantly impacted her reputation, with Trump repeatedly calling her a liar.
  3. Carroll initially chose not to go public during Trump's 2016 campaign because she believed that the more women who came forward to accuse him, the better he would do in the polls.

Support from Friends and Personal Distress

Carroll has received support from friends and has faced personal distress due to the allegations.

  1. Carroll has received support from friends like Lisa Birnbach and Carol Martin, who confirmed that she had confided in them shortly after the alleged assault.
  2. Carroll acknowledged her political distaste for Trump but emphasized that she was settling a personal score because he had repeatedly called her a liar.
  3. Carroll initially thought the incident happened in 1994 or 1995 but realized it was in February 1996 after Lisa Birnbach visited Mar-a-Lago to write about it.

Photographic Evidence and Sexual Assault Fantasy Discussion

Photographic evidence and discussions about sexual assault fantasies have played a role in Carroll's case.

  1. Carroll provided New York magazine with a photograph of her and her then-husband John Johnson socializing with Trump and his then-wife Ivana Trump in 1987.
  2. Trump dismissed the photograph's significance, saying that standing with his coat on in a line with his back to the camera was irrelevant.
  3. In an interview, Carroll discussed how rape is often a fantasy for some people, highlighting the complex nature of sexual assault and its impact on victims.

Enneagram Analysis and Career After Elle

Carroll's personality has been analyzed, and her career continued after leaving Elle.

  1. Carroll's personality type has been analyzed using the Enneagram system, often classified as a Type Three "Achiever."
  2. After leaving Elle in February 2020, Carroll has continued to write and engage in public discourse.
  3. Her departure from Elle was initially attributed to Trump's ridicule of her reputation and her dismissal of her looks, but Elle maintained that the decision was a business one unrelated to Trump.

Television and Media Presence

Carroll has maintained a strong presence in television and media.

  1. Carroll has been involved in various television projects and has maintained a strong media presence.
  2. Her ability to entertain and engage audiences has made her a beloved figure in both print and television media.

Books and Anthologies

Carroll's literary contributions continue to be significant.

  1. Carroll has authored several books, including "Female Difficulties," "Hunter: The Strange and Savage Life of Hunter S. Thompson," and "A Dog in Heat Is a Hot Dog and Other Rules to Live By."
  2. Her most recent book is "What Do We Need Men For?: A Modest Proposal," which explores themes related to feminism and personal empowerment.

Personal Life and Relationships

Carroll's personal life has seen various significant relationships and relocations.

  1. Carroll has lived in various locations throughout her life, including Montana and New York City.
  2. Her personal life has been marked by significant relationships and marriages, although none have lasted long-term.

Public Perception and Legacy

Carroll's public perception is complex, and her legacy extends beyond her writing career.

  1. Public perception of Carroll is complex, with many admiring her wit and humor while others criticize her for her unconventional advice.
  2. Carroll's legacy extends beyond her writing and journalism career, inspiring many women to speak out against sexual assault and harassment.
  3. Her impact on feminist discourse and her ability to entertain and engage audiences have cemented her place as a significant figure in American media and literature.
  4. Carroll's courage in coming forward with allegations against Donald Trump has inspired many women to speak out against sexual assault and harassment.

E. Jean Carroll's Lasting Impact

E. Jean Carroll's life and career are a testament to resilience, wit, and courage. From her iconic "Ask E. Jean" column in Elle magazine to her high-profile lawsuit against Donald Trump, Carroll has consistently made headlines. Her humor and unique writing style have entertained and advised countless readers. Despite facing criticism and controversy, she has remained a significant figure in journalism and feminist discourse. Her allegations against Trump have sparked important conversations about sexual assault and consent, highlighting the challenges women face when speaking out. Carroll's legacy extends beyond her writing; she has inspired many to confront societal norms and advocate for justice. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have in challenging the status quo and championing the truth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the deal with E. Jean Carroll and why should I care?
Well, E. Jean Carroll isn't just any name you'd stumble upon. She's a former Elle magazine advice columnist and has made headlines for her legal battles with Donald Trump, among other things. Her story touches on themes of power, fame, and the complexities of speaking out, which, let's face it, are pretty gripping topics.
How did E. Jean Carroll become famous?
Initially, Carroll made her mark through her work in journalism, notably as an advice columnist. Her wit, wisdom, and no-nonsense approach to life's tricky situations won her a loyal following. But her fame skyrocketed when she accused a high-profile figure of sexual assault, thrusting her into the international spotlight.
Has E. Jean Carroll written any books?
Yep, she sure has. Carroll is not just about stirring the pot; she's got some serious writing chops. She's penned several books, including one that details her experiences and accusations, which has been both controversial and critically acclaimed.
What legal battles has E. Jean Carroll been involved in?
Carroll's most notable legal tangle has been with former U.S. President Donald Trump. She's accused him of sexual assault in the mid-1990s, leading to a defamation lawsuit against him after he denied her claims. This legal battle has been closely watched and has sparked a lot of conversations about accountability and power dynamics.
Can I find E. Jean Carroll's writings online?
Absolutely! If you're keen on diving into her advice columns or want to get a taste of her writing style, a quick online search will lead you to some of her work. Her columns, known for their sharp wit and practical advice, are definitely worth a read.
Why is E. Jean Carroll's story significant?
Carroll's story resonates because it's a powerful example of resilience and courage. In a world where many are afraid to speak up, she stands as a figure who's not only shared her own story but also sparked broader discussions on important issues like consent, power abuse, and the importance of believing survivors.
What's next for E. Jean Carroll?
While predicting the future is a bit tricky, it's clear Carroll isn't backing down anytime soon. She continues to be an active voice in advocating for survivors of sexual assault and remains involved in her legal battles. Whatever comes next, it's sure to be worth paying attention to.

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