Trump’s Legal Setback: Manhattan Jury Awards E. Jean Carroll $83.3 Million in Defamation Case
In a significant legal blow to Donald Trump, a Manhattan jury has directed him to pay $83.3 million to writer E. Jean Carroll. The jury’s swift verdict, reached in less than three hours after a five-day trial, surpassed Carroll’s minimum request of $10 million. The judgment stems from Carroll’s defamation lawsuit, in which she accused Trump of damaging her reputation as a trustworthy journalist by denying her rape allegations. Trump plans to appeal the decision.
Carroll’s case has emerged as a contentious issue in Trump’s pursuit of the White House in the upcoming U.S. election. Despite the setback, Trump remains the frontrunner for the Republican nomination, challenging Democratic President Joe Biden, who defeated him in the 2020 election.
Although Trump attended most of the trial, he was absent from the courtroom when the jury delivered its verdict. Trump took to social media to express his discontent, declaring that the legal system is “out of control” and being used as a “political weapon,” asserting, “THIS IS NOT AMERICA!”
The 80-year-old Carroll left the courthouse with her lawyers, embracing the victory as a triumph for women who stand up against bullying. In her statement, Carroll emphasized the significant defeat for those attempting to silence women.
The legal saga began when Carroll, a former Elle magazine advice columnist, sued Trump in November 2019. She accused him of raping her in the mid-1990s in a Bergdorf Goodman department store dressing room in Manhattan. Trump vehemently denied the allegations, leading to Carroll’s defamation lawsuit.
Carroll testified that Trump’s denials had a profound impact, shattering her reputation as a respected journalist known for telling the truth. The jury, comprising seven men and two women, awarded Carroll $18.3 million in compensatory damages, including $11 million for harm to her reputation. Additionally, $65 million in punitive damages was granted, with Carroll asserting that this amount was necessary to prevent further defamation by Trump.
Trump maintained throughout the trial that he had never heard of Carroll and dismissed her claims as a ploy to boost sales of her memoir. His legal team argued that Carroll sought fame and attention by speaking out against Trump.
This verdict follows another legal setback for Trump in May 2023, when a jury ordered him to pay Carroll $5 million in a defamation case related to an October 2022 denial. Trump is appealing that decision and has set aside $5.55 million with the Manhattan court during the appeals process. Both appeals are expected to take years.
U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan, overseeing both trials, clarified that the earlier verdict applied to the second trial. This included the jury’s finding that Trump had forced his fingers into Carroll’s vagina. The current jury’s task was solely to determine the amount Trump should pay.
Trump’s lead defense attorney, Alina Habba, framed the verdict in political terms and expressed confidence in Trump’s appeal. Habba characterized the legal proceedings as a reflection of Trump’s lead in the polls, suggesting a bias against him in New York. She affirmed their determination to keep fighting despite the setback.
Throughout the trial, Trump exhibited dissatisfaction, at times muttering about the case being a “con job” and a “witch hunt.” His claim of not knowing who Carroll was prompted the judge to admonish him to remain silent on multiple occasions.
Carroll’s lawyer, Roberta Kaplan (unrelated to the judge), argued during closing statements that Trump had acted as though he were above the law and should face severe consequences. Habba countered, attributing the attacks to the publication of excerpts from Carroll’s memoir rather than Trump’s subsequent denials. She contended that Carroll enjoyed newfound fame and was happier than ever after coming forward.
Trump briefly testified during the trial, standing behind his previous deposition testimony, which jurors had seen. In that deposition, he labeled Carroll’s claims a “hoax” and characterized her as “mentally sick.” The legal challenges for Trump extend beyond this case, as he faces multiple criminal indictments and awaits a decision in a civil fraud lawsuit.
As the legal battles unfold, Trump continues to leverage his legal troubles to portray himself as a victim of politically motivated attacks and an allegedly biased judicial system. The outcome of these legal proceedings may have far-reaching implications for Trump’s political future.
Evan Archer, a seasoned journalist with an insatiable curiosity for unraveling the complexities of global affairs, stands at the forefront of contemporary world news. Born with an innate passion for storytelling, Archer has dedicated his career to shedding light on the intricate tapestry of international events, navigating the ever-evolving landscape of geopolitical dynamics.
