Article: Expand on It Writer E. Jean Carroll claimed on Friday that she was raped by former president Donald Trump in a dressing room at Bergdorf Goodman in the 1990s. Trump denounced Carroll’s claims as a “total phoney story.” After making a brief appearance in court to support his legal team’s appeal of a jury verdict finding him accountable for defamation and sexual battery, Trump made the statements at a press conference at Trump Tower in New York.

Carroll’s story was refuted by Trump at the press conference, claiming he “never met her” and that the narrative was probably made up to “promote a book.” He affirmed his support for his legal team, but also bemoaned the fact that “legal talent cannot overcome rigged judges” and said the lawsuit was a part of a bigger plot to undermine his candidature. The legal team representing Trump has contended that the judge disallowed them from introducing pertinent material and from cross-examining witnesses on important matters.

The legal team representing Trump has contended that the judge disallowed them from introducing pertinent material and from cross-examining witnesses on important matters.