The Access Hollywood Tape: A Scandal That Rocked The 2016 Election
In the final weeks of the 2016 presidential election, a bombshell recording emerged that would change the course of the race. The “Access Hollywood” tape, released by The Washington Post, captured Donald Trump bragging about grabbing women’s genitals. The tape sent shockwaves through the country and had a major impact on the election. This article will provide an overview of the “Access Hollywood” tape, its impact on the election, and the ongoing legal battle over its release.
I. The “Access Hollywood” Tape: A Turning Point in the 2016 Election
The Tape’s Release
On October 7, 2016, just over a month before the presidential election, The Washington Post released a recording of Donald Trump bragging about groping women. The tape was captured in 2005 on the set of the TV show “Access Hollywood.” In the recording, Trump says that he can grab women “by the p—y” because he’s a star.The release of the tape sent shockwaves through the country. Many people were disgusted by Trump’s comments, and it led to widespread calls for him to drop out of the race.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 7, 2016 | The Washington Post releases the “Access Hollywood” tape |
| October 8, 2016 | Trump apologizes for his comments on the tape |
| October 10, 2016 | The first presidential debate is held |
Trump’s Response
Trump initially tried to dismiss the tape as “locker room talk.” However, he later apologized for his comments, saying that he was “wrong” and that he “felt terrible” about what he had said.Despite the apology, many people were not convinced that Trump was truly sorry. They pointed to the fact that he had made similar comments in the past, and they argued that his apology was just a political ploy.
The Impact of the Tape
The “Access Hollywood” tape had a major impact on the 2016 election. It led to a sharp decline in Trump’s poll numbers, and it caused many Republicans to withdraw their support for him.The tape also energized Trump’s opponents. Hillary Clinton used the tape to attack Trump in the presidential debates, and she argued that it showed that he was unfit to be president.In the end, Trump won the election, but there is no doubt that the “Access Hollywood” tape played a major role in the outcome.
II. The Fallout of the Tape
The release of the “Access Hollywood” tape had a major impact on the 2016 presidential election. It led to a sharp decline in Trump’s poll numbers, and it caused many Republicans to withdraw their support for him. The tape also energized Trump’s opponents. Hillary Clinton used the tape to attack Trump in the presidential debates, and she argued that it showed that he was unfit to be president.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 7, 2016 | The Washington Post releases the “Access Hollywood” tape |
| October 8, 2016 | Trump apologizes for his comments on the tape |
| October 10, 2016 | The first presidential debate is held |
In the end, Trump won the election, but there is no doubt that the “Access Hollywood” tape played a major role in the outcome.
III. The Legal Battle Over the Tape
The Lawsuit
In October 2016, a woman named Summer Zervos filed a defamation lawsuit against Donald Trump. Zervos alleged that Trump had groped her at a Beverly Hills hotel in 2007. Trump denied the allegations, but the lawsuit is still ongoing.In addition to the Zervos lawsuit, several other women have come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against Trump. These allegations have led to a number of criminal investigations, including one by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office.
The Evidence
The “Access Hollywood” tape is a key piece of evidence in the legal battle over Trump’s alleged sexual misconduct. The tape shows Trump bragging about groping women, and it has been used by prosecutors to support the charges against him.Trump’s lawyers have argued that the tape is not admissible as evidence because it was recorded without his consent. However, the judge in the Zervos lawsuit has ruled that the tape is admissible.The legal battle over the “Access Hollywood” tape is likely to continue for some time. The outcome of the case could have a significant impact on Trump’s presidency.
Timeline of the Legal Battle
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 2016 | Summer Zervos files a defamation lawsuit against Donald Trump |
| January 2017 | Trump takes office as president |
| October 2017 | The New York Times publishes a story detailing allegations of sexual misconduct against Trump by multiple women |
| December 2017 | The Manhattan District Attorney’s office opens a criminal investigation into Trump’s alleged sexual misconduct |
IV. Final Thought
The “Access Hollywood” tape was a major turning point in the 2016 presidential election. It revealed a side of Donald Trump that many voters had never seen before, and it raised serious questions about his fitness for office. The tape also led to several legal challenges, which are still ongoing today. The “Access Hollywood” tape is a reminder of the power of the media to shape public opinion and influence the course of history.
