Trump Sued for Defamation
Former Apprentice contestant Summer Zervos filed a lawsuit against President-elect Donald Trump accusing of him of defaming her reputation after she lodged allegations of sexual misconduct.
The plaintiff is represented by Gloria Allred, a veteran legal hand for the feminist movement. The pair held a news conference Tuesday to provide details on the alleged misconduct and the lawsuit. Allred previously represented several women who accused the president-elect of sexual misconduct during the campaign.
“Ms. Zervos was ambushed by Mr. Trump on more than one occasion,” the complaint reads. “Mr. Trump suddenly, and without her consent, kissed her on her mouth repeatedly; he touched her breast; and he pressed his genitals up against her. Ms. Zervos never consented to any of this disgusting touching.”
Trump was forced to confront the allegations during the campaign, offering a tepid apology by video in October.
“I’ve said and done things I regret, and the words released today in a decade-old video are one of them,” he said, in reference to explosive Access Hollywood b-roll that nearly sunk his campaign for president.
Trump denied Zervos’ allegations after they were lodged during the campaign. The complaint alleges Trump’s denial was knowingly untrue, and engendered a deluge of threats.
If the action proceeds, it may not be resolved before Trump leaves the White House. The president typically enjoys immunity from civil actions, while outstanding civil suits are generally delayed until after he leaves office.
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