Former President Donald Trump has been ordered to pay advice columnist E. Jean Carroll a staggering $83.3 million for defaming her in 2019. The federal civil jury ruled on Friday, supporting Carroll's claims after Trump denied her allegations of sexual assault, stating that "people should pay dearly for such false accusations."
Carroll's legal team had urged the anonymous nine-person jury for substantial damages, and the outcome was significant. Carroll was granted $18.3 million in compensatory damages and an additional $65 million in punitive damages. The jury, after a brief three-hour deliberation following days of testimony, delivered the verdict.
Despite leaving the Manhattan courtroom before the reading of the verdict, Trump expressed his discontent on social media, vowing to appeal the decision. On Truth Social, he labeled the situation as "absolutely ridiculous" and criticized what he called a "Biden Directed Witch Hunt."
In contrast, Carroll welcomed the verdict, stating, "This is a great victory for every woman who stands up when she’s been knocked down and a huge defeat for every bully who has attempted to hold a lady down."
Trump's political rival, Nikki Haley, used the opportunity to criticize him, emphasizing that America should focus on more pressing issues than a legal battle resulting in $83 million in damages.
Carroll's lead counsel, Roberta Kaplan, had initially requested a minimum of $24 million in compensatory damages, emphasizing punitive damages to deter Trump, stating, "He does care about money. What amount will it take to make him stop?"
During the trial, Trump took to Truth Social, posting 17 times totaling nearly 750 words, where he attacked Carroll's credibility and criticized the judge's impartiality.
The recent defamation damages add to the $5 million Trump was already ordered to pay Carroll after a previous verdict in May, which found him guilty of sexual abuse and defamation in 2022. This new ruling specifically addresses Trump's initial denials in 2019 when Carroll first publicly accused him of raping her in a Bergdorf Goodman department store dressing room in the mid-1990s.
Judge Lewis Kaplan advised the jurors to maintain their anonymity but permitted them to speak publicly, cautioning against revealing the identity of other jurors.
Carroll's legal team argued that Trump's lengthy statements as president, denying her accusations, unleashed his supporters on her, resulting in threats and attacks. Messages presented to the jury included horrifying threats, indicating the severity of the situation.
Trump, who skipped the first defamation trial, attended many proceedings this time. Despite brief testimony, he continued to attack Carroll on social media, with the judge cautioning him to lower his voice during the trial.
Trump's attorney, Alina Habba, portrayed Carroll as an attention seeker unable to prove that threats she received were directly linked to Trump's denials rather than her accusations.
Roberta Kaplan, in a statement, emphasized that the verdict demonstrates that the law applies to everyone, including the rich and famous, and praised Carroll for standing up to a bully. Habba, meanwhile, vowed that Trump would immediately appeal the decision, stating they were stripped of every defense during the trial.
The legal battle between Trump and Carroll continues to unfold, sparking discussions about defamation, assault allegations, and the accountability of public figures.
- Trump E. Jean Carroll
- Verdict
- Former President
- $83 Million
- Defamation
- Sexual Assault Allegations
- Federal Civil Jury
- Legal Battle
- Compensation
- Punitive Damages
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