Donald Trump’s Rape Trial Goes From One Disaster to Another

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May 3rd was the last terrible day for Donald Trump in his trial for the alleged rape of E. Jean Carroll.

The Carrolls’ attorneys presented compelling testimony from an expert psychologist, who testified to the mental toll Carroll suffered as a result of the rape.

The Carrolls’ lawyers also presented testimony from Natasha Stoynoff, a reporter for People, who testified that Trump sexually assaulted her at Mar-a-Lago. As part of that testimony, lawyers showed the infamous Access Hollywood tape, in which Trump bragged he could get [women] by puke without permission because he is a star. The day ended with Carrolls lawyers playing the worst part of Trumps deposition, which included many blatant lies.

To make matters worse, Trump’s lawyers announced to the Court that their remaining proposed witnesses did not testify at trial. This leaves Trump with no witnesses and no evidence to offer at trial. Instead, Trump is relying on cross-examination of the Carrolls’ witnesses — which (again) went bad on Wednesday.

Expert Witness Explains Carrolls Behavior After Rape

In response to Carrolls admissions during his testimony that he laughed during Trump’s attack, Dr. Leslie Lebowitz, the expert witness for Carroll, provided a scientific explanation for some of Carrolls behavior, testifying that trauma can make a person irrational.

He used an example of a woman in Finland who, during a crisis, chased her hat over her daughter (who was in great physical danger). She also testified that rape victims often feel guilty. One reason is that the experience of being raped is one of loss of control. So self-blame takes back control.

Dr. also gave Lebowitz powerful examples of the kinds of mental illness that Carroll’s attacks continue to cause. He testified that when he asked Carroll about the events at Bergdorf Goodman, Carroll squirmed and said he was once again experiencing Trump’s fingers inside his penis. He explained that such flashbacks can be triggered by ordinary sights, sounds or smells, such as a Vietnam veteran suffering from PTSD who had flashbacks when smelling Vietnamese food.

The cross-examination by Trump’s lawyers did little to blunt the impact of Dr.’s testimony. Lebowitz. He admitted that he was paid $600/hour for his time, but (in my experience as trial counsel for over 25 years) juries are rarely swayed by knowing that an expert witness is paid for his time.

He also admitted that he didn’t know Trump raped Carroll, because he wasn’t there. When Trumps counsel Chad Siegel tried to tell Dr. Lebowitz that Carroll may be malingering means lying, Dr. Lebowitz testified that his observations of Carroll were consistent with Carroll telling the truth.

In re-directing, Dr. Lebowitz gave a stark example of how Carroll continues to be traumatized by the rape and Trump’s accusations that she lied about the incident. Dr. testified Lebowitz said Carroll got a gun and learned to shoot, which he kept at his home in Orange County (about 60 miles north of New York City), because he feared violence from Trump supporters who lived in his area.

Reporter Says Mar-a-Lago Butler Joins Trump Sexually Assaulting

Former People reporter Natasha Stoynoff has provided new details about allegations that Trump sexually assaulted her while she was at Mar-A-Lago to report a story.

She said Trump pushed her against a wall and began kissing her, stopping only when a butler walked in on them. She also testified that afterward, Trump told her, You know there’s going to be an affair. Don’t forget what Marla said, Best Sex I Ever Had. Go to Peter Lugers [a famous NY steak house] and have an affair. Trump was referring to a 1996 New York Post article in which his then-wife, Marla Maples, boasted that Trump was the best sex I ever had.

The Carrolls’ lawyers then played the Access Hollywood tape and discussed its effect on Stoynoff. He proved that he made me sick to my stomach because he does this to many women. Through sobs, she continued, The horrifying part is I didn’t say anything at the time, others were hurt.

Trumps lead counsel, Joseph Tacopina, did not even attempt to meaningfully cross-examine Stoynoff. He only asked her to confirm that she had not made any legal claims against Trump.

Former People magazine reporter Natasha Stoynoff reacted to an inquiry by Michael Ferrara, attorney for former Elle magazine advice columnist E. Jean Carrol.

Jane Rosenberg/Reuters

Trumps Deposition Excerpts Are Another Disaster

Under the Federal Rules of Evidence, the Carrolls’ lawyers were able to cherry-pick the worst parts of Trumps deposition to play for the jury. They presented a large number of blatant lies, including Trump’s claim that he:

He didn’t know if he saw any girls outside [his first] marriage (although his affairs are legendary); hardly ever goes to Bergdorf Goodman (despite testimony from the store manager that he is often there); andNever seen E. Jean Carrolls book (although he made many public comments about it).Trumps Only Proposed Witness Will Not Testify

At the end of the trial day, Trump’s attorney informed the Court that their remaining proposed witness, Dr. Edgar P. Nace, did not testify. Dr. is set to refuse. The testimony of Dr. Lebowitz about the psychological injuries suffered by Carroll. Trumps attorney Dr. Nace is ill and cannot appear when scheduled.

Along with the earlier revelation that Trump himself would not testify, this meant that Trump would have no witnesses and no evidence to show.

The Trial Is Coming To An End What Happens Next?

Judge Kaplan informed the jurors that this trial was coming to an end. The Carrolls’ case is likely to end Thursday. Jurors will be given a break on Friday, while attorneys meet with the judge to discuss the instructions Judge Kaplan will give the jurors. Closing arguments are Monday, May 8. The Carrolls’ attorneys will present closing arguments in two hours. Then Trumps lawyers will have 2.5 hours for their closing arguments. Carrolls’ attorneys will get the last word, with 1/2 hour for closing rebuttal arguments.

I’ll give the final word to noted attorney Ken White (a law school classmate of mine), who encapsulated the Trumps’ strategy: I suspect the vibe they’re going for is that the plaintiffs’ old case is nonsense without response that is appropriate or necessary. That’s one way to focus a jury on the prosecution’s heavy burden of proving things beyond a reasonable doubt, but it’s a very dangerous move in a civil case, where the burden is more than just evidence and a broader expectation that the defense will present. some evidence.

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