Robert Wayne Carroll

Elizabeth Jean Carroll, born in Detroit in 1943, is an American journalist, author, and advice columnist. Her career began with early academic achievements, including being crowned Miss Indiana University and Miss Cheerleader USA. She later wrote for television shows like Saturday Night Live and hosted her own series, 'Ask E. Jean.' Carroll's widely read advice column, 'Ask E. Jean,' ran in Elle magazine for nearly three decades, noted for its frank discussions on sex and its empowering message to women. She also contributed to numerous prominent magazines and penned several books, including a biography of Hunter S. Thompson and her own memoirs. Her writing style is often characterized as gonzo-journalism, employing first-person narratives and humor. In recent years, Carroll gained significant public attention for her legal actions against Donald Trump, stemming from accusations of sexual assault. These lawsuits resulted in substantial damages awarded to her, though they remain under appeal.

E. Jean Carroll established herself as a prominent voice in American journalism, most notably through her long-running advice column, 'Ask E. Jean.' Appearing in Elle magazine from 1993 to 2020, the column became a fixture in publishing, celebrated for Carroll's candid advice on relationships and life challenges, often delivered with humor and a strong feminist perspective. She encouraged women to prioritize their independence and avoid structuring their lives around men. Beyond her signature column, Carroll contributed to a variety of respected publications, including The Atlantic, Esquire, New York, and Playboy, where she was the first female contributing editor. Her journalistic approach often involved immersive, first-person narratives, exploring diverse subjects and subcultures.

Carroll's literary output spans biographies, memoirs, and collections of her columns. Her 1993 book, 'Hunter: The Strange and Savage Life of Hunter S. Thompson,' offered an intimate look at the famed journalist. Her memoir, 'What Do We Need Men For?: A Modest Proposal' (2019), gained significant attention, particularly for its accusation of sexual assault against Donald Trump. A subsequent memoir, 'Not My Type: One Woman vs. a President' (2025), detailed the aftermath of her legal proceedings. Carroll's writing has been recognized for its unique voice, with some comparing her to Hunter S. Thompson in her fearless approach to storytelling. Her work has been featured in various non-fiction anthologies, showcasing her impact on contemporary literature and journalism.

In recent years, E. Jean Carroll has been at the center of high-profile legal battles against Donald Trump. Following her accusations of sexual assault dating back to the mid-1990s, she filed civil lawsuits for defamation and battery. Juries found Trump liable in these cases, awarding Carroll significant sums in damages, totaling over $88 million across two verdicts. While these verdicts are currently under appeal, they represent a notable legal outcome. Carroll has publicly stated her intention to use any awarded funds to support other victims and to ensure the truth of her accusations is recognized, emphasizing that her primary concern is not financial gain but the pursuit of justice and truth.

“The last thing I care about is money. The first thing I care about is people knowing the truth.”