Introduction to E. Jean Carroll
The living room of the modest Hotel Suite by E. Jean Carroll in Telluride is washed in steamed mountain tones: beige carpets, pine warehouse, and an old fireplace. With her characteristic blonde bob and a shockingly overall presence, Carroll enters the room, bringing color and vibrancy to the space. As a decades-long advice columnist, she has been fighting with Donald Trump since 2019, when she accused the president of sexual attacks between 1995 and 1996 in New York City.
The Allegations and Court Battles
E. Jean Carroll is one of three women who have accused Trump of similar crimes over the years. Although two separate cases, one for defamation and the other for sexual assault, were brought to court, Trump has made claims against both cases, and the process has not yet been completed. The documentary "Ask E Jean" provides unprecedented access to the process behind the Carroll-Trump fight, including never-before-seen footage of Carroll’s deposition under the direction of Alina Habba, Trump’s lawyer.
A Complicated Legacy
E. Jean Carroll’s legacy as a pioneering Gonzo journalist, syndicated television presenter, and advice columnist is complex and multifaceted. In her own words, she admits that 50% of her advice to women was bad, and she regrets telling them to "absorb it and move on" when faced with harassment or abuse. However, her syndicated TV show also empowered women, telling them they didn’t need to be married to be whole, that they should go to college, have passion in their life, and work. This complicated legacy is a central theme of the documentary.
The Current Political Climate
The timing of the film’s release is crucial, as it comes at a time when many people are feeling anxious, fearful, and worried about the current political climate. E. Jean Carroll believes that money is the answer to creating change and that if the powers that be are hit in the pocketbook, it will make a difference. The documentary serves as a fascinating story of Carroll’s legacy and a testament to the power of speaking out against abuse and harassment.
The Documentary and Its Impact
The documentary "Ask E Jean" offers a unique perspective on the Carroll-Trump fight and provides a platform for E. Jean Carroll to share her story. The film’s director, Ivy Meeropol, has a personal connection to the story, having studied Trump and his associates, including Roy Cohn. The documentary is not just about the attack but also about E. Jean Carroll’s whole story, which helps people understand how this could have happened.
The Suppression of Women and Censorship
A key theme of the documentary is the suppression of women and censorship, which is a hallmark of authoritarianism. E. Jean Carroll believes that the film’s timing is crucial, as it comes at a time when people are looking for a way out of the current madness. The documentary serves as a testament to the power of speaking out against abuse and harassment and provides a platform for women to share their stories.
The Experience of Working with Roger Ailes
E. Jean Carroll’s experience working with Roger Ailes, the former CEO of Fox News, is also explored in the documentary. While she describes him as a great boss and a wonderful person, she also acknowledges that there was a "sink pit" of harassment and abuse beneath the surface. This experience is a reminder that even those who seem powerful and confident can be hiding secrets and perpetuating abuse.
The Current Status of the Documentary
Despite speculation that the documentary would have trouble finding a buyer due to fears of retaliation from Trump, E. Jean Carroll and Ivy Meeropol report that they have had significant interest in the film. The documentary is currently being screened at film festivals, and the team is confident that it will find a wide audience. As E. Jean Carroll says, "If that’s the price, I am ready to pay it. I also don’t care if someone shoots me. You cannot be in documentaries or arts and think that life will be easy."
