Jury won't see 'Access Hollywood' tape, Trump accusers in E. Jean Carroll defamation trial: Lawyer

Author E. Jean Carroll's attorney says that the infamous "Access Hollywood" tape and two women who accused former President Donald Trump of abuse will not be put before a New York jury as part of the author's defamation case against the former president. 

The letter Saturday from Carroll's lawyer Roberta Kaplan to the judge means that Trump may testify in the latest trial as soon as Monday, one day before New Hampshire is set to hold the first 2024 Republican presidential primary, according to The Associated Press. The trial has already occurred during one presidential nominating contest last week, which saw an overwhelming Trump victory in Iowa. 

Kaplan told the presiding judge in the letter that in an effort to keep the trial "focused," she would not present the 2005 tape, which features Trump caught on a hot mic speaking about how celebrities "can do anything" to women.

She also said she will not call Trump accusers Natasha Stoynoff and Jessica Leeds as witnesses for the same reason even though both women testified at Carroll's trial that resulted in Trump being found liable for sexual battery and defamation in May 2023. Trump has denied all allegations. 

The presiding judge limited Trump as to what he can discuss if he testifies. Even though Kaplan is not showing the jury the tape or the testimony of Stoynoff and Leeds, Trump may still testify regarding that evidence.

Carroll's attorneys may have decided against introducing the evidence in a bid to prevent Trump from discussing what he considers to be false allegations against him. However, Kaplan said she intends to present statements that Trump has made since Carroll concluded her testimony on Thursday.

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