Mindy McGillivray and Donald J. Trump

This profile summarises publicly reported allegations made by Mindy McGillivray concerning Donald J. Trump. It cites reputable reporting and public records. Allegations are not criminal findings, and where responses exist, they are included.

Last updated: November 19, 2025

Summary

Mindy McGillivray, who worked as a photographer’s assistant in Florida, alleged that Donald J. Trump groped her at his Mar-a-Lago resort after a Ray Charles concert in January 2003. She first described the incident publicly in October 2016 in an interview with the Palm Beach Post, recounting what she said was an unexpected and unwelcome physical interaction. McGillivray stated that she had been helping the photographer she worked for during the event and that Trump approached her from behind and touched her without consent. She has said the moment left her shocked and unsure how to react, particularly given Trump’s status as both the property owner and a public figure.

In the years since her allegation became public, McGillivray has repeated that she did not initially speak out because she did not believe she would be taken seriously and feared negative consequences. When other women made similar allegations in 2016, she said she felt compelled to share her own account. Media reporting at the time included statements from her employer, who recalled her telling him about the incident immediately afterward. A relative who was also present that evening, however, publicly disputed her version of events, stating that he did not believe any such incident occurred. These conflicting accounts continue to shape how the allegation is discussed.

Trump and his campaign have consistently denied the allegation. Campaign representatives described it as false, untrue, and politically motivated. As with many of the other allegations from the same period, the 2016 campaign framed the claims as coordinated attacks designed to influence the election. No court has ruled on the allegation, and no legal action has been filed that would allow the claim to be tested under cross-examination or through the presentation of evidence.

The allegation remains part of the broader public record concerning misconduct claims involving Trump. McGillivray has expressed frustration that, despite coming forward, there has never been a formal setting in which the allegation could be evaluated, and she has stated that the passage of time has not changed her account or her belief that she acted truthfully in coming forward.

Key Facts at a Glance

Mindy McGillivray, who worked as a photographer’s assistant in Florida, alleged that Donald J. Trump groped her at his Mar-a-Lago resort after a Ray Charles concert in January 2003. She first described the incident publicly in October 2016 in an interview with the Palm Beach Post.

According to McGillivray, the incident happened quickly and in view of other guests, though no one besides her reported witnessing it. Her employer at the time has been quoted as saying she told him immediately afterward. A relative present at the event disputed her version of events. These conflicting accounts remain part of the public record.

The Trump campaign denied the allegation when it surfaced in 2016, stating it lacked merit and was politically motivated. No criminal or civil action has been filed in relation to the allegation, and no court has examined its claims.

Key Facts at a Glance

  • Alleged incident: January 2003, Mar-a-Lago, Palm Beach, Florida, after a Ray Charles concert.
  • Public disclosure: October 12, 2016, Palm Beach Post interview.
  • McGillivray’s statements: She has repeatedly maintained her account and said she came forward after hearing other women’s allegations.
  • Corroboration: Her employer reported she told him immediately after the alleged incident.
  • Contradicting account: A relative present disputed the allegation.
  • Trump campaign response: Denied the allegation and described it as politically motivated.
  • Legal action: No known filings or investigations as of November 2025.

Timeline

January 2003: McGillivray alleges Donald J. Trump groped her while she was working as a photographer’s assistant during a charity event at Mar-a-Lago.

October 12, 2016: The Palm Beach Post publishes McGillivray’s account.

October 13–14, 2016: National outlets report the allegation.

October 2016: The Trump campaign publicly denies the accusation.

December 2017: McGillivray reiterates her account in interviews.

2017–2025: Media continue to reference the allegation; no legal developments reported.

Media Coverage and Documentation

  • Palm Beach Post — “Palm Beach Woman Says Donald Trump Groped Her at Mar-a-Lago in 2003” (Oct 12 2016) — Palm Beach Post
  • ABC News — “List: Trump’s Accusers and Their Allegations of Sexual Misconduct” — ABC News
  • Time Magazine — “I Want Justice” (Dec 2017) — Time
  • PBS NewsHour — misconduct allegation summaries — PBS
  • CBS News — Trump campaign response coverage — CBS News
  • Fortune Magazine — reporting on 2016 allegations — Fortune

Responses and Statements

Donald J. Trump: Denied the allegation, calling it false, politically motivated, and lacking merit.

Mindy McGillivray: Reiterated her account in later media appearances, saying she stands by her description of the incident.

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.