03-05-2023 : During a civil lawsuit brought by writer Jean E Carroll, who accused former US President Donald Trump of raping her in New York in 1996, Jessica Leeds testified that Trump had groped her on a flight in 1979. Leeds, an 81-year-old retired stockbroker, told the court that Trump had introduced himself to her and then suddenly tried to kiss her, grabbed her breasts, and put his hand up her skirt.
Leeds said that Trump’s attack felt like he had a “zillion hands,” and that she fought him off and walked to the back of the plane. She added that the attack lasted for seconds but felt like forever. Leeds first made her allegations in 2016, ahead of the elections, in an interview with the New York Times. In the weeks running up to the elections, several women came out, accusing Trump of sexually assaulting them.
Trump has repeatedly denied all allegations of sexual assault and has never been criminally prosecuted over any such claims. His attorney, Joe Tacopina, said that Trump would not be giving evidence in court.
Leeds’s testimony is a reminder of the numerous allegations of sexual assault and harassment that have been leveled against Trump over the years. Despite these allegations, Trump was elected as the 45th president of the United States in 2016. The ongoing civil lawsuit against him highlights the need for accountability and justice for survivors of sexual assault and harassment.