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Writer E. Jean Carroll is contesting a reported Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into her alleged perjury. According to CNN, the DOJ is investigating whether Carroll lied under oath during her civil lawsuits against President Donald Trump, whom she accused of sexual assault. Carroll addressed her Substack readers on Thursday (June 4), stating, "I did not commit perjury," dismissing claims that she lied while testifying.
The investigation reportedly focuses on a 2022 deposition where Carroll, 82, stated she received no outside funding for her lawsuit. However, it was later revealed that billionaire Reid Hoffman had contributed to her legal fees. The probe has sparked controversy, with some viewing it as part of the DOJ's efforts to target Trump's adversaries.
The BBC reported that Andrew Boutros, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, denied opening a criminal investigation into Carroll. Despite this, sources continue to affirm the existence of the investigation.
Carroll has previously won two civil cases against President Trump, who denies her accusations and is appealing the verdicts. The Supreme Court has deferred decisions on Trump's appeals multiple times, with the most recent deferral occurring on Wednesday (June 3).
The DOJ investigation is being overseen by officials in the deputy attorney general's office, as Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is recused due to his prior work as Trump's attorney. Carroll's legal battles with Trump continue, with the president appealing both the $5 million sexual abuse case judgment and the $83 million defamation case.