Jessica Leeds and Donald J. Trump
Last updated: 19 November 2025
This page summarises the publicly reported allegation made by Jessica Leeds regarding Donald J. Trump, along with Trump’s responses and the media coverage that first brought the claim to national attention. All information is drawn from reputable reporting and the public record. Allegations are not criminal findings, and no court has adjudicated this claim.
Overview
Jessica Leeds, a former businesswoman from New York, alleged that Donald J. Trump groped her without consent during a commercial flight in the early 1980s. According to Leeds, she and Trump were seated next to each other in the first-class cabin on a flight from Dallas to New York. She stated that Trump lifted the armrest between them, grabbed her breasts, and attempted to put his hand up her skirt. Leeds said she left her seat to end the encounter.
Her account first became public on 13 October 2016 in an investigation published by The New York Times. Leeds’ allegation emerged during the 2016 presidential campaign, when several women publicly accused Trump of unwanted touching or sexual misconduct. The reporting was widely summarised and expanded upon by outlets including PBS NewsHour, ABC7 New York, TIME Magazine and The Guardian. Trump denied the allegation and criticised Leeds at campaign events.
The allegation has never been the subject of a criminal complaint or a civil lawsuit, and no court has assessed the claim.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Alleged incident: Early 1980s, on a flight from Dallas to New York
- Public disclosure: 13 October 2016 in The New York Times
- Media coverage: PBS NewsHour, ABC7 New York, TIME Magazine, The Guardian
- Trump’s response: Denied the allegation and criticised Leeds publicly
- Legal action: None as of 2025
Timeline
Early 1980s
Leeds alleges that the incident occurred during a commercial flight. She has stated that she did not report the incident at the time and only discussed it with friends and family.
13 October 2016 — Initial Publication
The New York Times publishes Leeds’ allegation as part of a broader investigation into claims of sexual misconduct involving Trump. PBS NewsHour and ABC7 New York produce summaries and follow-up reporting the same day, helping the story reach national and local audiences.
14–15 October 2016 — Trump Responds
Trump publicly denies Leeds’ account at campaign events. He disputes the specifics of the allegation and describes the reporting as politically motivated. Coverage from The Guardian and TIME documents these responses.
2017–2025 — Public Conversation Continues
Leeds continues to speak publicly about the alleged incident in interviews and later profiles. A 2024 article in The Guardian revisits her claims, explores her reflections on the public response, and places her allegation in the broader context of accusations against Trump. The allegation remains untested in court.
Context and Public Record
The Leeds allegation emerged during a period of heightened public attention to Trump’s behaviour toward women, particularly in the lead-up to the 2016 election. The contemporaneous reporting reflected both the gravity of the allegations and the political environment in which they were made. Media outlets often noted that Leeds’ description echoed patterns described by other women who came forward that year.
Trump’s denials were central to the public discussion. He repeatedly rejected the allegations, questioned the credibility of the women who came forward, and criticised the media outlets that covered their claims. These responses were widely documented and contributed to national debate about the role of the press, political partisanship and the standards applied when reporting allegations of misconduct.
The Leeds account has continued to appear in later reporting and retrospectives, especially in coverage examining Trump’s public conduct, legal challenges and allegations made by multiple women across several decades.
Media Coverage and Documentation
- PBS NewsHour summary (Oct 2016)
- ABC7 New York coverage (Oct 2016)
- TIME Magazine report (Oct 2016)
- The Guardian rally coverage (Oct 2016)
- The Guardian follow-up (2024)
Responses and Statements
Donald J. Trump
Trump denied the allegation and dismissed the reporting as false. He publicly criticised Leeds at campaign events, suggesting the incident did not occur and questioning her account. These statements were widely covered across national media.
Jessica Leeds
Leeds has consistently maintained her account since 2016. She has discussed her experience and the public reaction in interviews and follow-up reporting, including reflecting on the broader context of allegations raised during the 2016 campaign.
Sources
- The New York Times — Original report (13 Oct 2016)
- PBS NewsHour — Summary (Oct 2016)
- ABC7 New York — Local coverage (Oct 2016)
- TIME Magazine — Overview (Oct 2016)
- The Guardian — Rally coverage (Oct 2016)
- The Guardian — 2024 follow-up
Disclaimer
This page documents allegations as they appear in the public record. They have not been tested in criminal or civil court. Felonotus summarises credible reporting and does not infer conclusions beyond documented evidence.
Corrections
If you believe any information requires clarification or correction, please email admin@felonotus.com.