Over a year after former PEOPLE correspondent Natasha Stoynoff first accused Donald Trump of sexual assault, and hours after the U.S. President claimed not to know nor have ever met his numerous accusers, the entertainment magazine has published photographic proof of their meeting.
In 2016, Stoynoff broke her silence about the alleged 2005 incident. She stated that while visiting the Mar-A-Lago compound for an interview and photoshoot, Trump led her into a room, closed the door behind them, and forcibly kissed her.
“I turned around, and within seconds he was pushing me against the wall and forcing his tongue down my throat,” said Stoynoff at the time. That claim prompted a denial from Trump, who used a campaign speech to dismiss her accusation.
One year and a #MeToo movement later, four of Trump’s other accusers have now demanded a congressional inquiry into his alleged misconduct, leading Trump to once again lash out against the claims on Twitter.
Despite thousands of hours wasted and many millions of dollars spent, the Democrats have been unable to show any collusion with Russia – so now they are moving on to the false accusations and fabricated stories of women who I don’t know and/or have never met. FAKE NEWS!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 12, 2017
It was that Tweet which prompted PEOPLE to publish its photo, showing Stoynoff standing directly next to Trump. Earlier, six others told PEOPLE that Stoynoff confided in them about the incident at the time.
.@realDonaldTrump claims he ‘never met’ accusers like PEOPLE’s Natasha Stoynoff, but we have the photo https://t.co/3oIcMyRFWW pic.twitter.com/GwnmjFKzUm
— People (@people) December 12, 2017
In a column published in People earlier this month, Stoynoff said “time will tell” if the reckoning of accused sexual predators will extend to the White House, and praised the bravery of other victims who have come forward.
“After suffering in silence, sometimes for decades, women stepped forward from every sector of society — actors, politicians, prison guards, students, scientists, waitresses, salespeople — to say #MeToo and tell their stories,” she said.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment or assault, you can call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 for access to 24/7 support.
