Writer E. Jean Carroll was in court Tuesday for the start of her civil rape case against former President Donald Trump as protesters gathered outside the lower Manhattan courthouse.
A polished Carroll, 79, showed up to the federal courthouse flanked by lawyers and wearing a cream-colored coat, sunglasses and carrying a maroon briefcase as her supporters chanted “We believe E. Jean Carroll.” Trump, 76, was not present.
A jury of six men and three women had been chosen by early afternoon — but not before a pool of 48 prospects were grilled by the judge, including about their political leanings.
The potential jurors were asked a multitude of questions, such as whether they had any affiliation with groups including QAnon, the Ku Klux Klan, the Proud Boys and other far-right and extremist entities.
Only 12 of the 48 told the judge they could not be fair if chosen to sit on the panel – and were summarily dismissed.
The nine jurors eventually selected to hear the case range in age from 26 to 66.
They include a library worker, a physical therapist, a janitor, a high school worker, two men who work in security, two healthcare facility employees and a retired healthcare worker.
Jurors are expected to hear opening statements from lawyers on both sides later Tuesday.
Carroll filed suit against Trump in November alleging that the 45th president raped her in a Bergdorf Goodman fitting room in the mid-1990s.
E. Jean Carroll arrives for the first day of trial in her civil rape case against Donald Trump. (Alec Tabak for NY Post)
Donald Trump, E. Jean Carroll, John Johnson and Ivana Trump at an NBC party in the late 1980s.
Trump has denied the claims and even denied knowing Carroll. APThe former “Ask E. Jean” advice columnist is also suing Trump, 76, claiming he defamed her when he denied her accusations and even claimed to not know her.
The trial is expected to last up to ten days.
Trump has not said yet whether he will show up for the trial, but jurors will likely be shown portions of his deposition video if he doesn’t come to the trial.
At the start of the day, protesters outside of court picketed with signs saying “Trump is a rapist,” “Grand Old Predators” and “Lies have consequences.”
Before jury selection began, Judge Lewis Kaplan, who is overseeing the trial, warned both sides “please refrain from making any statements that are likely to incite violence and civil unrest.”
