87-year-old Jacqueline Goldberg has alleged that mogul Donald Trump cheated her in a bait-and-switch scheme, the Associated Press reported. Goldberg took to the stand on Monday, saying she had qualms about suing Trump, given his power and influence.
During her testimony, however, she said that "somebody had to stand up to him."
Goldberg claimed that Trump enticed her into buying two condominiums at Chicago's Trump International Hotel & Tower with an offer to share profits of the entire building, the AP also reported. Goldberg said that the deal was dropped after she paid a $500,000 deposit.
Goldberg accused Trump's management of breach of contract and deceptive practices.
Goldberg told jurors at the civil trial in Chicago that she felt "conned" when Trump withdrew the profit-sharing plant after she bought the condos. Goldberg said that she and other investors in Trump's luxury riverfront were led to think they would share in revenue from the hotel's meeting room, saying she was pulled by his reputation.
Goldberg expressed anger when she found out in early 2008 that the incentives had been pulled by Trump Tower, the Chicago Tribune reported.
Trump has denied allegations, and merely charged that Goldberg is attempting to "rip" him off.
