Ninni Laaksonen

Ninni Laaksonen and Donald J. Trump: Allegations of Sexual Misconduct

The 2006 Miss Universe Pageant Incident

In July 2006, Ninni Laaksonen, a Finnish model and Miss Finland 2006, attended the Miss Universe pageant in Los Angeles. The event was owned by Donald J. Trump through the Miss Universe Organization. On July 23, before a guest appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman, Laaksonen alleges that Trump groped her backstage during a photo opportunity with other contestants. She told Finland’s Ilta-Sanomat that Trump “really grabbed my butt hard.” She described the act as “shocking” and said it left her feeling violated.

Public Disclosure During the 2016 Campaign

Laaksonen kept the incident private for a decade. She went public on October 27, 2016, telling Ilta-Sanomat her story. She became the 12th woman that month to accuse Trump of sexual misconduct. Her revelation followed the October 7 release of the Access Hollywood tape, which sparked a wave of similar allegations during Trump’s first presidential campaign. Laaksonen also shared that a pageant staffer had remarked Trump liked her because she resembled a younger Melania Trump, adding to her discomfort.

Trump’s Denial and Political Response

Trump denied Laaksonen’s claim in October 2016, calling it “totally false” and “fabricated nonsense.” He said the allegations were designed to sabotage his election chances. At a rally in Greensboro on October 14, he threatened to sue his accusers after the election, though he never followed through. Trump’s campaign dismissed Laaksonen’s claim as baseless, a position reinforced by supporters on social media platforms like X in 2025.

Legacy and Impact of the Allegations

Laaksonen’s story raised questions about Trump’s behavior within his pageant empire. Her account is part of over two dozen allegations that came to light in the #MeToo era. She did not pursue legal action, citing the distance and emotional toll. However, her allegations resurfaced in 2023 during a BuzzFeed News retrospective linking various accusers to E. Jean Carroll’s civil case victory. Her story highlights ongoing concerns about power abuse in Trump’s business ventures.

Reflection and Advocacy in 2025

In 2025, after Trump began his second term, Laaksonen, now 38, spoke to Helsingin Sanomat in February. She reflected on renewed attacks on social media calling her a “nobody” following the inauguration. Laaksonen said, “I don’t regret speaking out; it’s about truth.” She expressed solidarity with Carroll’s 2023 verdict but ruled out lawsuits due to living in Finland. As of March 2025, her allegations continue to contribute to the conversation about Trump’s conduct and accountability.