Allegations of Trump Groping Stacey Williams with Epstein Present Resurface 31 Years Later

This week, writer, consultant, and former Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Stacey Williams publicly alleged that she was groped by Donald Trump while Jeffrey Epstein watched thirty-one years ago. Williams, now 56, recounted her experience during a “Survivors for Kamala” Zoom call, which drew a large audience and featured several women sharing their experiences with sexual violence, including actor Ashley Judd and #MeToo founder Tarana Burke.

Bravely Speaking Out for Change

As a registered Democrat involved in liberal causes, Williams expressed that her decision to share her story was motivated, in part, by the impending election. Her fear of Trump returning to the White House compelled her to speak out, stating, “I figured it was time to share this, and I’m ready to win this election. The thought of that monster being back in the White House is my absolute worst nightmare.” In an interview with NBC News, she clarified that her decision was independent of the Democratic Party and had no communication with Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign.

However, the Trump campaign vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them as “unequivocally false” and alleging a connection to the Harris campaign just weeks before the election. Nonetheless, NBC News spoke to seven individuals who confirmed that Williams had discussed the alleged incident with them between 2006 and 2022 and found her claims to be credible and consistent.

Importantly, Williams is the first person to publicly allege sexual misconduct by Trump involving Epstein, despite numerous reports on the subject. Epstein, who pleaded guilty in 2008 to procuring a minor for prostitution and died by suicide in federal jail while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, had not been previously implicated in any allegations against Trump.

The Disturbing Encounter

Williams recounted her first encounter with Epstein at a dinner in 1992, which led to a casual relationship when they were in town. She later attended a party at the Plaza Hotel, owned by Trump at the time, where she witnessed the friendship between the two men. However, Williams’ life took a traumatic turn in “the later winter, early spring” of 1993 when Epstein suggested visiting Trump at Trump Tower. She recalls feeling vulnerable that day, dressed inappropriately for the weather.

Upon arriving at Trump Tower, Williams described how Trump immediately groped her, touching her breasts, waist, and butt while simultaneously engaging in conversation with Epstein. This horrific ordeal lasted five to ten minutes in a reception area outside Trump’s office, leaving Williams feeling violated and confused. Shockingly, instead of offering support, Epstein berated Williams afterwards, further intensifying her feelings of humiliation and disgust.

Impact and Reflection

The encounter left Williams deeply troubled, causing her to cut off contact with Epstein and grapple with feelings of shame and self-blame. Despite receiving a postcard from Trump after the incident, she suppressed the experience for years. Williams eventually became more open about her story, mentioning it during an interview for a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition film but without naming Trump.

Recent developments, including the film's premiere coinciding with the upcoming election, prompted Williams to finally share her story publicly. Recognizing the potential impact of her testimony, she felt compelled to speak out for the sake of accountability and justice. She emphasized that sexual assault is harmful and damaging to individuals, asserting, “He harmed me. Sexual assault is harmful. It damages people.”

Williams’ allegations against Trump come amid a wave of sexual misconduct accusations against him, including the high-profile case involving former columnist E. Jean Carroll, where a jury found Trump liable for abusing her but not for rape. Trump has consistently denied all allegations of sexual misconduct, despite the mounting evidence and testimonies from numerous women.

As the presidential election approaches, the timing of Williams’ revelation holds significant implications. The public's perception and response to these allegations could potentially influence the election's outcome, with early voting already underway in several states. The resurfacing of the 2005 “Access Hollywood” tape, where Trump made lewd comments about women, further adds to the controversy surrounding his candidacy.