“Con Game”? Trump Accuser Jessica Leeds Responds to His Dismissal of Sexual Assault Allegations In a recent episode from Democracy Now!, Jessica Leeds, one of the women who accused former President Donald Trump of sexual misconduct, responded to his dismissive remarks about her allegations. The discourse took place against the backdrop of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford's testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding her accusations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, emphasizing the broader implications of sexual assault allegations in politics. Leeds recounted her experience from a flight in the early 1980s, where she asserts that Trump groped her in the first-class section. She described the incident in detail, highlighting the discomfort and confusion she felt during that encounter, and subsequently how it affected her life as she avoided situations that might draw attention to her femininity. During the segment, Leeds reflected on Trump's recent comments suggesting that women like her fabricate stories to derail political figures. She argued that such attitudes perpetuate a negative culture for survivors of sexual assault, making it harder for them to come forward. Leeds shared that it was only in 2015, as Trump began his presidential campaign, that she felt compelled to speak out about her experience. The podcast further delves into the psychological ramifications for women who endure such trauma, noting that many often remain silent due to fear of not being believed or the social stigma associated with coming forward. Leeds and the hosts discussed the #MeToo movement's impact on encouraging women to share their stories, illustrating how the narrative around sexual assault is slowly evolving. This ongoing conversation remains significant as it reflects not only on individual experiences but also on cultural shifts regarding how society views allegations of sexual misconduct. Leeds’ story underscores the importance of acknowledging these experiences and supporting those who come forward. Feel free to share your thoughts on this topic or any personal experiences you may want to discuss! What changes have you noticed in how sexual assault allegations are treated in public discourse over the years?