Michael Cohen, Donald Trump’s former personal attorney, recently stated that he never met Jeffrey Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell, and only worked on one case involving allegations of sexual misconduct. This comes amid public scrutiny of Trump’s ties to Epstein, who died by suicide while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Cohen discussed a case involving an anonymous plaintiff, “Katie Johnson,” who alleged sexual abuse involving Trump and Epstein, a claim Cohen has disputed. Cohen has criticized those who attempt to link him to the alleged claims.
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A recently resurfaced video depicts Donald Trump as a judge in a 1991 Elite Modeling “Look of the Year” competition, raising concerns given Elite’s history of alleged misconduct and exploitation of young models. The video’s emergence coincides with renewed scrutiny of Trump’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein and the ongoing controversy surrounding the handling of the “Epstein Files”. Further compounding these concerns are past allegations of Trump’s inappropriate behavior with models, including a claim from a past partner. These claims come after Trump was found liable for sexual abuse of writer E. Jean Caroll in a dressing room in 1996, and ordered to pay millions in damages.
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Newly unearthed video shows Donald Trump judging the Elite Model Agency’s 1991 “Look of the Year” competition, which featured young models and has since been linked to sexual misconduct allegations against its founder. This resurfacing of the video occurs amidst scrutiny over Trump’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, and as polls reveal widespread dissatisfaction with transparency surrounding the case, even among a portion of MAGA supporters. Furthermore, Trump has been criticized for past behavior at beauty pageants, including Miss Teen USA events, and he has also been linked to Epstein, having attended parties with him and making remarks about Epstein’s interest in younger women. Trump’s reaction to those seeking more information on the Epstein case has shifted, making it a political tool.
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Following the lifting of a Romanian travel ban, Andrew Tate, facing human trafficking charges, appeared at a UFC event alongside his brother and prominent figures including the UFC president and the FBI director, highlighting a stark shift in the US political landscape. This event, coupled with the rise of the manosphere and the resurgence of prominent figures accused of sexual misconduct, demonstrates a significant backlash against the #MeToo movement. Despite legal advancements and increased cultural awareness of sexual misconduct, the movement’s impact has been limited, with survivors facing significant risks and societal resistance persisting. While setbacks are evident, successful legal challenges against abusers, like that of Bay Higginbotham, offer a sliver of hope for continued progress.
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Following a House Ethics Committee report alleging substantial evidence of sexual misconduct and illegal drug use, former Representative Matt Gaetz shared a note from President Trump stating, “Very Unfair!” The report detailed allegations of payments to women for sexual activity and drug use, including an alleged encounter with a minor, though it did not find evidence of federal sex trafficking violations. Gaetz denies wrongdoing, citing the report’s reliance on witnesses he claims are unreliable, and previously dismissed by the Department of Justice. He maintains he never had sexual contact with a minor.
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A House Ethics Committee report found substantial evidence that former Rep. Matt Gaetz violated House rules and state laws, including those related to sexual misconduct and drug use. The report details allegations of payments to numerous women for sex, including a minor, and extensive illicit drug use, citing witness testimony, text messages, and financial records. Gaetz, who resigned from Congress before the report’s release, denies the accusations, claiming they are politically motivated. The report also alleges Gaetz accepted impermissible gifts and obstructed the investigation, though the Department of Justice previously declined to file federal charges.
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The House Ethics Committee’s report concluded that former Rep. Matt Gaetz violated Florida’s statutory rape law by paying a 17-year-old for sex, one of at least 20 instances where he paid for sex or drugs. The investigation, which reviewed tens of thousands of dollars in personal transactions, revealed multiple violations of House rules, including the gift rule, related to sex with multiple women and drug use, primarily ecstasy, cocaine, and cannabis. While the committee found insufficient evidence to support federal sex trafficking charges, they determined substantial evidence existed to support multiple state law violations related to sexual misconduct. The report’s release followed Gaetz’s unsuccessful attempt to obtain a restraining order against the committee.
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Facing a House Ethics Committee report detailing allegations of sexual misconduct, campaign finance violations, and bribery, former Representative Matt Gaetz has filed for a restraining order in federal court. Gaetz argues the report’s release, containing potentially defamatory information, is unconstitutional and violates committee rules, irreparably harming his reputation. The report reportedly includes testimony alleging Gaetz engaged in sex with a minor and details numerous sex and drug-fueled parties. Gaetz denies allegations of sexual contact with minors but admits to past indiscretions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker