Fact Check: "An anonymous woman accused Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein of raping her at 13."
What We Know
In 2016, a woman, referred to as Katie Johnson, filed a lawsuit alleging that Donald Trump raped her when she was 13 years old during a party hosted by Jeffrey Epstein. The lawsuit claimed that Trump and Epstein sexually assaulted her at a private residence in 1994. Johnson alleged that Trump tied her to a bed and raped her, while Epstein facilitated the abuse (PBS, Vox). The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and included multiple claims of sexual misconduct (Courthouse News, FactCheck.org).
However, the lawsuit was later withdrawn, and Johnson did not appear for a scheduled press conference to discuss the allegations (Politico). This withdrawal has led to questions about the credibility of the claims, as Johnson's attorney cited threats and harassment as reasons for pulling back (Law & Crime).
Analysis
The claim that an anonymous woman accused Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein of raping her at the age of 13 is substantiated by the lawsuit filed by Katie Johnson. However, the subsequent withdrawal of the lawsuit raises significant concerns about the reliability of the allegations. While the initial claim is documented, the lack of further legal proceedings and the withdrawal of the lawsuit complicate the narrative.
The sources reporting on this case vary in their reliability. For instance, the Wikipedia page provides a broad overview of Trump's sexual misconduct allegations and cites numerous cases, including Johnson's. However, Wikipedia is a secondary source and should be corroborated with primary sources. The PBS and Vox articles provide detailed accounts of the allegations and the context surrounding them, making them more reliable for understanding the specifics of the claims.
On the other hand, the withdrawal of the lawsuit and the absence of further legal action suggest that the allegations may not have been substantiated to the degree necessary for a court case. The Law & Crime article notes that the lawsuit had little chance of succeeding, which further complicates the assessment of the claim's validity.
Conclusion
The claim that an anonymous woman accused Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein of raping her at 13 is Partially True. While there is a documented allegation made by Katie Johnson, the subsequent withdrawal of the lawsuit and lack of further legal action cast doubt on the veracity and substantiation of the claim. The existence of the accusation is factual, but the circumstances surrounding it raise questions about its credibility.
Sources
- The Sexual Misconduct of Donald J. Trump
- Donald Trump sexual misconduct allegations
- All the assault allegations against Donald Trump, recapped
- Rape Allegations Refiled Against Trump
- Yes, Donald Trump Was Accused of Raping a 13 Year Old, But ...
- Trump teen rape accuser abruptly calls off news conference
- The lawsuit accusing Trump of raping a 13-year-old girl ...
- Case 1:16-cv-07673-RA Document 4 Filed 10/03 ...