I don’t know about this story one way or the other. But, I find it curious that we were supposed to believe every other accuser, but now we’re suppose to be angry at anyone who might believe this simply because the story is so icky.

Patriotism? If I had put something like that behind me but heard the person was running to be head of State, I couldn’t stay quiet and risk letting someone like that win.

Yes, I know; I’m pretty familiar with rape statistics, including many that Jezebel/feminist blogosphere don’t write about. And, pretty consistently, studies find that between about 1/4th and 1/6th of women have experienced attempted or completed sexual assault. Breast cancer was considered an epidemic at 1 in 8 women,…

That’s what I mean. She has a real career. Would she risk that for some right wing conspiracy?

No, not really. People consistently doubt rape victims because they do not want to face the reality of a rape epidemic, not because they cannot comprehend that the occasional super fishy, wild accusations by victims who refuse to prove their own existence during political elections would be an outlier. “No false rape…

I’ve been following this case since June. Everything that’s been cited as evidence that she’s somehow untrustworthy looks, to me, like evidence that (1) she’s been terrified of coming forward and that (2) she was exploited, or nearly exploited, by a couple of opportunists.

If you’re trying to make a fraudulent claim to get settlement money, accusing Trump would be an odd choice. He’s extremely litigious and claims he never settles (although that’s not exactly true). It’s probably better for his reputation as he’s created it to fight instead of settling, not to mention I bet his ego…

“Fails to Appear”....?

That does not seem likely. The suit goes back to before Trump announced he was running, so regardless of the veracity of the claims (which seem hard to substantiate), it is unlikely to have its origins in a political machination.

Cost vs. benefit is a factor though. Trolls can do the vile shit they do and get a laugh out of it... and not face any consequences. They generally won’t be identified and harassed vehemently. Same with crop circles and bigfoot pictures, except since those are less harmful basically nobody cares.

And what do the people involved gain from attention? Lisa Bloom is doing just fine in her career, and it’s not like having the client not show does any good; Al Taylor/Norm Lubow may get something out of the controversy but it’s not clear he’s involved anymore. Jane Doe would get much more attention if she showed up —…

Legitimacy issues aside, the reason it’s not being included in the 12 or so other assault accusations is that if true, this is a whole other level of vile.

It’s always been here, they’re just coming out from the shadows because their orange leader made it ok.

Wow! There is lot in that story. Off the top, I do not hold her decision to not appear at a press conference against her. It is completely understandable, especially given the heated rhetoric revolving around the case. I have no idea how or why they even scheduled it, but I am giving her a pass on deciding not to go…

I imagine the threats from Trump’s followers must take fear to a new level. There is now a corroborating witness in this case, so let’s wait and see what actually happens in court.

The backstory on all of this is so bizarre I have a hard time believing it could be the Trump campaign (a “Never Trump” conservative was behind promoting the story to media, for one).

Johnson/Doe does not exist??! The case is currently in court. Next hearing December. Don’t talk nonsense.

I don’t know if this story is true, but i understand if she cancelled because of the death threats she has received. Anyone who accuses Trump of assault ends up getting death threats. One person who accused him of assault has had to leave the US because she is afraid for her life. There is something very ugly that is…