Karena Virginia and Donald J. Trump
This profile summarises publicly reported allegations made by Karena Virginia concerning Donald J. Trump. It cites reputable media and public records. Allegations are not criminal findings, and where responses exist, they are included.
Last updated: November 19, 2025
Summary
Karena Virginia, a yoga instructor and motivational speaker from New Jersey, alleged that Donald J. Trump groped her outside the U.S. Open tennis tournament in 1998. She first came forward publicly in October 2016 during a press conference held with attorney Gloria Allred, where she described an encounter she said had stayed with her for nearly two decades. According to Virginia, she was waiting for a car service after attending the tournament when Trump approached her with a group of men. She said he commented on her physical appearance, grabbed her arm, and then touched her breast before walking away.
Virginia stated that the incident shocked her and caused lasting discomfort, leading her to question whether speaking publicly would draw criticism or disbelief. She explained that she chose to come forward in 2016 after hearing other women share similar accounts, saying she no longer wished to remain silent. The emotional impact she described included feelings of shame, confusion, and concern about how she might be judged.
Trump’s campaign denied the allegation at the time it became public, characterising Virginia’s account as politically motivated and part of a wider effort to harm the presidential campaign. As with other allegations from that period, no legal complaint or civil suit has been filed, and no court has evaluated the claims under formal evidentiary standards.
Virginia has continued her work in wellness, empowerment, and public speaking. Since coming forward, she has discussed the broader issue of how women process and disclose experiences of unwanted touching or sexual misconduct. Her statement has also been included in major media outlets’ comprehensive overviews of allegations involving Trump. As of November 2025, no new legal or evidentiary developments have been reported.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Alleged incident: 1998, outside the U.S. Open tennis tournament in Queens, New York.
- Public disclosure: October 20, 2016, at a press conference with attorney Gloria Allred in New York City.
- Alleged behaviour: Virginia stated that Trump remarked on her appearance, grabbed her by the arm, and touched her breast.
- Context: Virginia said she was waiting for transportation when the incident occurred, and that the interaction was brief but distressing.
- Trump campaign response: Denied the allegation, describing it as false and politically motivated.
- Legal action: No known criminal or civil filings related to this allegation as of November 2025.
Timeline
1998: Karena Virginia alleges that Donald J. Trump grabbed her arm and touched her breast outside the U.S. Open tennis tournament. She does not report the incident to authorities at the time.
October 20, 2016: Virginia speaks publicly for the first time during a press conference organised by attorney Gloria Allred. She recounts what she says occurred in 1998 and explains her decision to come forward nearly 20 years later.
October 21, 2016: National media outlets publish detailed coverage of Virginia’s allegation. Journalists report her account, quotes from the press conference, and responses from Trump’s campaign.
2017–2025: Virginia continues her work in wellness and motivational speaking, occasionally addressing the subject of her allegation in interviews about women’s empowerment and healing. No legal action or new developments related to the allegation have been reported.
Media Coverage and Documentation
- The Guardian — Reporting on Virginia’s allegation (Oct 20 2016) — The Guardian
- NBC News — Detailed report on Virginia’s account (Oct 21 2016) — NBC News
- Reuters — Factbox summarising allegations against Trump (Sep 28 2022) — Reuters
- ABC News — Comprehensive list of accusers (Updated 2020) — ABC News
- The New Yorker — Follow-up profile on Virginia (Nov 2018) — The New Yorker
Responses and Statements and Statements
Donald J. Trump: Trump and his campaign denied the allegation, describing it as false and politically motivated. Public statements characterised the accounts emerging in October 2016 as attempts to damage the campaign.
Karena Virginia: Virginia stated that she chose to come forward in 2016 after hearing similar accounts from other women. She said the experience had remained with her for years and that she believed speaking publicly might help others feel less alone.
Sources
Corrections
None at this time. To request a correction or submit documentation, email admin@felonotus.com.
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Felonotus is an independent research project and is not affiliated with any political party or campaign. Content is provided for public information and research. Nothing here constitutes legal advice.