Director of Ask E. Jean Calls DOJ Investigation into E. Jean Carroll "Pure Vindictiveness"

Ivy Meeropol, director of the documentary Ask E. Jean, has responded to reports that the Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll, who successfully sued Donald Trump for defamation and battery.

"There is no merit to the investigation," Meeropol said. "This is pure vindictiveness."

Key Details of the Investigation

Reports by the New York Times and CNN stated that the Justice Department planned to examine whether Carroll committed perjury when she testified she was unaware of any financial support for her lawsuits against Trump. Billionaire Reid Hoffman, a LinkedIn co-founder and Trump critic, had covered some legal costs.

The U.S. Attorney in Northern Illinois issued a statement denying Carroll is the target of an investigation, but sources told CNN and the New York Times that could change.

The Allegations and Legal Context

Carroll's lawsuits stem from an incident in the mid-1990s when she alleged Trump sexually assaulted her in a Manhattan department store dressing room.

Judgments in Carroll's favor total almost $90 million. Trump has not paid, and appeals are expected to reach the Supreme Court.

Meeropol's Response

Meeropol expressed shock but not surprise at the reported investigation. She stated that Carroll is an honest person and that the probe lacks any factual basis.

Documentary Context

Ask E. Jean premiered at Telluride in 2023 and opened theatrically in New York and Los Angeles. The film explores Carroll's career as an advice columnist and her legal battles with Trump.

Meeropol noted the timing of the reports — days after the film's New York opening and her op-ed in the New York Times.