Kochi: An American journalist has accused former President Donald Trump of allegedly
assaulting her sexually over two decades back.
E Jean Carroll, 76, alleged that she was targeted in a department store in Manhattan in 1996, media reports said.
The former advice columnist for Elle magazine, Carrol had confided in friends about the assault, her lawyer said while Trump’s lawyer has dismissed the charges.
The trial is expected to last a fortnight.
Carroll alleged that she went with Trump to the lingerie section of the store where he maneuvered her into a dressing room and raped her.
Her lawyer said that “fear and shame” kept Carroll silent about the incident. She is seeking unspecified damages as compensation for her agony.
Two employees of the department Store, her sister and two women will be examined by the court as witnesses.
The trial comes at a time amid Trump is surrounded by other legal problems even as he has announced to contest the next Presidential election.
Trump faces sexual assault charges
