In a startling development that adds to the growing list of sexual misconduct allegations against former U.S. President Donald Trump, former Swiss beauty queen Beatrice Keul has come forward with disturbing claims about a 1993 encounter at New York’s Plaza Hotel, bringing the total number of accusers to 28.
Who is Beatrice Keul, and how did she meet Trump?
Beatrice Keul, now 53, alleges Trump “jumped” on her and attempted to grope her during what was supposed to be a private meeting at the iconic Plaza Hotel. The former Miss Switzerland runner-up’s decision to speak out came after discovering old travel documents while moving homes.
In 1992, fresh from her success at the Miss Switzerland competition and subsequent Miss Europe finals in Istanbul, Keul received an invitation to Trump’s American Dream Pageant. The all-expenses-paid trip to New York and Atlantic City seemed like a dream come true for the Swiss bank executive and part-time model.
“When you are from Switzerland, the US is a big wow. Then, you think about New York. That’s a second wow. And then comes the name Trump. Wow again,” Keul told the Daily Mail.
The alleged incident
According to Keul’s account, the assault occurred in November 1993 after a press luncheon at the Plaza Hotel. Following a brief initial meeting where Trump reportedly mispronounced her name as “Cool,” a staff member arranged a private meeting in one of the hotel’s upper suites.
“When I entered, he jumped on me. I just had time to turn. I was not prepared. I tried to do what I could to get rid of him,” Keul recounted. “He kissed me on the lips and on the neck. He tried to lift my dress. He was grabbing and touching my body everywhere he could.”
Parallel accusations
Keul’s allegations emerge just days after former Sports Illustrated model Stacey Williams shared her troubling encounter with Trump at Trump Tower in early 1993, allegedly in Jeffrey Epstein’s presence.
The list of accusers includes prominent figures such as:
- Writer E. Jean Carroll, who recently won an $88 million defamation case
- Former Apprentice contestant Summer Zervos
- Trump campaign worker Alva Johnson
- Multiple former beauty pageant contestants
- Journalist Natasha Stoynoff
Legal implications
These mounting allegations come at a crucial time. While Trump has consistently denied all accusations, the growing number of similar accounts has raised serious concerns about his conduct and character.
The broader context
The allegations span decades and paint a disturbing pattern of behavior, with accusers ranging from beauty pageant contestants to business associates. Their stories share striking similarities, often involving unexpected advances in private settings.
Keul’s revelation adds another dimension to this ongoing narrative, particularly given her independent career and ability to resist. As she poignantly noted, “It’s sad for those who don’t know to say no or don’t have the courage or opportunity to say no.”
As this story continues to develop, it raises critical questions about accountability, power dynamics, and the impact of historical allegations on current political aspirations.