E. Jean Carroll

E. Jean Carroll is a journalist, author, and advice columnist whose career spans decades and encompasses a wide range of media. Her "Ask E. Jean" column appeared in Elle magazine, becoming one of the longest-running advice columns in American publishing. The column was recognized for Carroll's perspectives on sex, her advocacy for women prioritizing their own lives, and her compassion for readers facing challenging situations. Before her tenure at Elle, Carroll wrote for "Saturday Night Live's" twelfth season and was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series. She also served as the host and producer of the "Ask E. Jean" television series, which aired on NBC's "America's Talking," the predecessor to MSNBC.

Carroll's journalism career includes contributions to The Atlantic and Vanity Fair, as well as roles as a contributing editor for Outside, Esquire, New York, and Playboy, where she was the publication's first female contributing editor. She became known for her gonzo-style first-person narratives, and The New York Times referred to her as feminism's answer to Hunter S. Thompson. Carroll's books reflect her distinctive approach to literary journalism. Her biography of Hunter S. Thompson, "Hunter: The Strange and Savage Life of Hunter S. Thompson," was published by Dutton. Her story for Spin, "The Cheerleaders," was selected as one of the year's best true crime reporting pieces and appeared in Best American Crime Writing, published by Pantheon Books.

Carroll has become a prominent figure in American legal and cultural life. In her book, "What Do We Need Men For?: A Modest Proposal," Carroll accused Donald Trump of sexual assault. Carroll filed two related civil lawsuits against Trump, resulting in a total of $88.3 million in damages awarded to her. She was named one of Time's Most Influential People in the World. Her memoir, "Not My Type," about the years following her first lawsuit against Trump, debuted at No. 2 on the New York Times best-seller list. She is the subject of the documentary "Ask E. Jean."

Throughout her career, Carroll has blended wit, courage, and cultural commentary in ways that resonate with broad audiences. Central to her philosophy is a belief in female autonomy and self-reliance—her advice column encouraged women to build fulfilling lives on their own terms, independent of romantic partnerships, and to seek adventure, career advancement, and personal growth. Carroll's decision to pursue legal action against Trump was framed as a civic act to establish a factual record, reflecting her principle that public figures should be held accountable for their words and actions, and that survivors deserve to be heard. With a body of work that spans television, literary journalism, bestselling books, and landmark legal victories, Carroll remains a significant voice in American public life.