Kyler Alvord
Updated on: October 9, 2024 8:02 am GMT
Trump Accuser Jessica Leeds Labels Him a ‘Sexual Predator’ Following Latest Remarks
Jessica Leeds, a woman who alleges former President Donald Trump sexually assaulted her during a flight in the late 1970s, spoke out against him Monday, labeling him a “sexual predator” and discussing her options for potential legal action. This press conference arrives in the wake of Trump’s recent comments disparaging Leeds and her accusations, asserting that she “would not have been the chosen one.”
Background: Allegations of Assault
Leeds accuses Trump of groping her while seated next to him in the first-class cabin of a New York-bound flight in 1979. This claim first came to light during the 2016 presidential campaign when Leeds detailed the incident in an interview with The New York Times, stating that Trump had aggressively touched her.
During a recent federal court trial in Manhattan regarding a separate sexual abuse and defamation case involving writer E. Jean Carroll, Leeds recounted her experience in vivid detail. “He was grabbing my breasts,” Leeds testified, describing the encounter as a “tussling match.” She later saw Trump at a charity event and alleged he verbally harassed her, calling her derogatory names related to the airplane incident.
Leeds Responds to Trump’s Insults
In a press conference held at Trump Tower, Leeds confronted Trump’s remarks directly, stating, “He assaulted me 50 years ago, and he continues to attack me today.” She characterized Trump’s comments as “really bizarre” and expressed that his behavior suggested an obsession with her. Leeds reflected, “It’s a little spooky and a little difficult to process. But here I am.”
Leeds supported her testimony by sharing painful memories, recalling specific details such as Trump trying to kiss her and putting his hand up her skirt during the flight. “All of a sudden, this man started grabbing me and trying to kiss me,” she recounted. “When he decided to put his hand up my skirt, that gave me enough energy to move away from him.”
Possible Legal Action
Following Trump’s remarks, Leeds has indicated that she and her legal team are evaluating their next steps, including the potential for a defamation lawsuit. “I’m considering a number of options because of his latest remarks, but no decision has been made,” Leeds mentioned. This may present a new avenue for Leeds to pursue justice, especially in light of the specific context of Trump’s comments.
Trump’s legal team has previously argued that Leeds’s testimony should not be admissible, citing jurisdictional laws surrounding incidents on airplanes. However, the panel of judges involved in Carroll’s case appeared skeptical of this argument, which could impact how Leeds’s case is viewed moving forward.
Continuing Fallout from Trump’s Accusations
Leeds’s advocacy comes in the broader context of multiple women who have accused Trump of various forms of sexual misconduct. During the 2023 trial involving E. Jean Carroll, testimony from Leeds and other women, including Natasha Stoynoff, illustrated a pattern of behavior that some jurors found consistent with the allegations against Trump.
In a recent verdict, a jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll, awarding her $5 million in damages. A second jury later ordered Trump to pay an additional $83 million for further defamation claims. These consistent legal setbacks contribute to the scrutiny surrounding Trump’s conduct and public persona, especially as he campaigns for the presidency in 2024.
Implications for Trump’s Political Future
Leeds urged voters to reconsider supporting Trump in the upcoming election, emphasizing the importance of accountability in leadership. “We just cannot allow this person back into the White House,” she stated firmly. This call to action echoes the sentiments of many who believe that allegations of misconduct should play a role in voters’ decisions.
As Trump continues to face criticism and legal challenges, the impact of these allegations will likely resonate in the political landscape as the 2024 election cycle ramps up. As for Leeds, she is determined to keep her story alive and ensure that her experience is not forgotten. “I believe it’s important to remind voters,” she asserted.
Through her public statements and potential legal actions, Jessica Leeds is not just confronting her past but challenging a narrative that she believes should have serious ramifications for Trump’s future in politics.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Discourse
The exchange between Trump and Leeds highlights ongoing societal discussions about sexual assault, accountability, and the treatment of women in the political sphere. Many observers have criticized Trump’s dismissive comments towards Leeds and other accusers, framing them as part of a broader issue of misogyny that plagues politics.
Leeds’s brave decision to come forward — again — has been met with both support and skepticism, a reflection of the polarizing nature of Trump’s legacy. Women’s rights advocates have rallied behind Leeds, emphasizing the need for survivors to speak out against their assailants.
As this story unfolds, the public and political arenas are paying close attention to how matters of sexual misconduct and allegations against candidates will influence upcoming elections as well as cultural perceptions regarding accountability and justice.
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