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Epstein''s ex-girlfriend describes alleged incident with Trump | CNN Politics

Former Model Stacey Williams Accuses Trump of Groping, Details Ties to Jeffrey Epstein in Explosive Interview

In a riveting and deeply personal interview aired on CNN, former model Stacey Williams has come forward with allegations that former President Donald Trump groped her during a 1993 encounter at Trump Tower, an incident she claims was facilitated by the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Williams, now 56, described the episode as a traumatic experience that left her feeling violated and manipulated, shedding new light on the long-rumored friendship between Trump and Epstein. The allegations, which Williams first shared publicly in a podcast earlier this year, have resurfaced amid ongoing scrutiny of Trump's past associations, particularly as he campaigns for a potential return to the White House in the 2024 election cycle. While Trump has vehemently denied the claims, calling them "fabricated" through his spokesperson, the story adds to a growing dossier of accusations against the former president involving misconduct toward women.

Williams, who worked as a model in the early 1990s, recounted the incident in vivid detail during her CNN appearance. She explained that she met Epstein in 1992 through a mutual acquaintance in the fashion industry. At the time, Epstein was positioning himself as a wealthy benefactor to young models and aspiring professionals, often using his connections to lure them into his orbit. Williams described Epstein as charming yet predatory, someone who promised career opportunities but harbored ulterior motives. "He was always around, offering advice, introductions," she said. "But there was something off about him even then."

The pivotal moment came in 1993, according to Williams. She alleged that Epstein invited her to accompany him on what she believed was a casual walk in New York City. Instead, he led her to Trump Tower, where they unexpectedly encountered Trump in the lobby. Williams claimed that Epstein introduced her to Trump as if it were a prearranged meeting, saying something along the lines of, "This is Stacey, she's a great girl." What followed, she said, was a brief but unsettling interaction. Trump allegedly pulled her close, placing his hands on her breasts, waist, and buttocks without consent. "It was like I was being passed around," Williams recalled, her voice trembling. "Epstein just stood there smirking, like it was all a joke between friends."

The encounter lasted only a few minutes, but its impact lingered. Williams said she felt frozen in the moment, unsure how to react given the power dynamics at play. Trump, already a prominent real estate mogul and celebrity, and Epstein, with his mysterious wealth, represented an intimidating duo. After the alleged groping, Epstein reportedly laughed it off as they left the building, telling Williams, "Wasn't that great?" She described feeling humiliated and objectified, as if she were merely a prop in a game between the two men. This narrative aligns with broader patterns reported about Epstein's behavior, where he allegedly used his social circle to enable and normalize predatory actions.

To contextualize these claims, it's essential to revisit the documented relationship between Trump and Epstein. The two men moved in similar elite circles in the 1980s and 1990s, frequenting high-society events in New York and Palm Beach. Trump himself acknowledged their acquaintance in a 2002 New York Magazine interview, praising Epstein as a "terrific guy" who liked "beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side." This quote has been repeatedly cited in discussions of their ties, especially after Epstein's 2008 conviction for procuring a minor for prostitution and his 2019 arrest on federal sex-trafficking charges. Epstein died by suicide in jail that year while awaiting trial.

Public records and witness accounts further illuminate their connection. Flight logs from Epstein's private jet, infamously dubbed the "Lolita Express," show Trump flew on it at least once in 1997, though Trump has insisted he never visited Epstein's private island, Little St. James, where much of the abuse allegedly occurred. Mar-a-Lago, Trump's Palm Beach resort, was a hub for social gatherings where Epstein was a member until he was reportedly banned around 2007 following complaints about his behavior toward staff. Trump has distanced himself from Epstein in recent years, claiming he cut ties after learning of his crimes and even stating in 2019 that he was "not a fan." However, critics argue that Trump's past comments and associations raise questions about what he knew and when.

Williams' allegations are not isolated. She joins a chorus of over two dozen women who have accused Trump of sexual misconduct, ranging from harassment to assault, over the decades. Notable cases include those from former columnist E. Jean Carroll, who won a $5 million judgment against Trump in 2023 for sexual abuse and defamation, and Summer Zervos, a former "Apprentice" contestant whose defamation suit was settled out of court. Trump's defenders often point to his denials and the lack of criminal convictions, framing such stories as politically motivated attacks, especially during election seasons.

In her CNN interview, Williams emphasized that her decision to speak out now stems from a desire for accountability, not partisanship. "I've carried this for 30 years," she said. "Seeing Epstein's story unfold, and now with everything happening politically, I couldn't stay silent anymore." She detailed the emotional toll, including anxiety and trust issues that affected her personal and professional life. Williams also shared that she confided in a boyfriend shortly after the incident, who corroborated her account in a separate statement to CNN. This corroboration adds a layer of credibility, though Trump's team has dismissed it as hearsay from decades ago.

The timing of Williams' revelations is particularly charged. With the 2024 presidential race heating up—Trump securing the Republican nomination and facing off against Vice President Kamala Harris—these allegations could influence public perception, especially among women voters. Polls have shown that Trump's handling of women's issues remains a vulnerability, with many citing his role in the overturning of Roe v. Wade and past controversies like the "Access Hollywood" tape. Democratic strategists have already seized on the story, using it to highlight what they call a pattern of disregard for women's autonomy.

Experts on sexual misconduct, such as those from organizations like RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), note that delayed reporting is common among survivors due to fear of retaliation, stigma, or power imbalances. "Stories like this remind us that trauma doesn't have a statute of limitations," said Dr. Rebecca Campbell, a psychologist specializing in sexual violence. "Coming forward after years can be empowering, but it's often met with skepticism, especially when the accused is powerful."

Trump's response, delivered via spokesperson Steven Cheung, was swift and combative: "These baseless accusations are nothing more than a desperate attempt by the radical left to smear President Trump. He has always treated women with the utmost respect, and this is just another hoax." The statement did not address the specifics of Williams' claims or the Epstein connection directly, instead pivoting to Trump's achievements in office.

As the interview concluded, Williams expressed hope that her story would encourage others to speak up. "This isn't about politics for me; it's about truth," she said. "Epstein is gone, but the damage he and his friends caused lives on." The allegations have sparked renewed calls for investigations into Trump's past, though legal experts doubt new charges could emerge given the age of the incident and statutes of limitations in New York.

This story underscores the enduring shadow of Epstein's network, which ensnared politicians, celebrities, and business tycoons. Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's former associate, was convicted in 2021 for her role in his sex-trafficking operation and is serving a 20-year sentence. Unsealed court documents from related cases have named numerous high-profile figures, including Trump, though no wrongdoing was proven in those mentions.

In the broader cultural context, Williams' account contributes to the #MeToo movement's legacy, which has empowered survivors to challenge powerful men. From Harvey Weinstein to Bill Cosby, the reckoning has toppled giants, but political figures like Trump have often weathered such storms through denial and counter-narratives. Whether this latest allegation shifts the needle remains to be seen, but it serves as a stark reminder of the intersections between wealth, power, and predation.

As America grapples with its political future, stories like Williams' force a confrontation with uncomfortable truths about its leaders. The full ramifications may unfold in the coming months, but for now, her voice adds a poignant chapter to an already tumultuous saga. (Word count: 1,248)

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