E Jean Carroll Documentary Highlights Legal Battles

Ivy Meeropol's documentary "Ask E Jean" follows journalist and former advice columnist E Jean Carroll, now in her 80s, as she navigates a series of ongoing legal disputes. The film highlights Carroll's remarkable courage and resilience in her legal battles, particularly against Donald Trump. Trump, despite being caught on tape boasting of sexual violence, has attempted to position himself as exempt from the #MeToo movement through a combination of bluster, alleged bad faith, and the influence of his presidency. He has also utilized an extensive online presence of trolls to support his narrative.

Despite these tactics, E Jean Carroll has emerged as one of the accusers who has achieved success in civil suits against Trump. The documentary, co-produced by former Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter, delves into Carroll's extensive career in New York media during the 1980s and 1990s. She cultivated a persona as a witty and tough commentator, drawing comparisons to figures like Rosalind Russell and Joan Rivers. During this period, Carroll also hosted a television advice show titled "Ask E Jean," which she notes was given to her by Roger Ailes, a figure who himself faced downfall due to #MeToo allegations.

The film also touches upon Carroll's past commentary on cases involving Paula Jones and Anita Hill during the Bill Clinton and Clarence Thomas administrations, where she was perceived by some as less than sympathetic. The documentary aims to provide an engrossing look at Carroll's public life and her ongoing legal endeavors, showcasing her tenacity in the face of significant challenges.