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In a landmark decision resonating throughout the legal and political landscapes, former United States President Donald Trump has been hit with an $83.3 million fine in a defamation lawsuit filed by E. Jean Carroll. The Southern District of New York was the setting for this high-profile case, which concluded with jaw-dropping compensatory and punitive damages awarded to the former Elle magazine columnist. This verdict follows a previous ruling in May that found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, resulting in a $5 million penalty.
The crux of the litigation revolved around Carroll's grave accusation that Trump sexually assaulted her in a department store dressing room in 1996. Her revelation came to light in a 2019 memoir, where she recounted the alleged encounter. Trump vehemently denied her claims during his presidency, dismissing Carroll as a “complete con job” aiming to publicize her book. The disparaging comments prompted Carroll to sue Trump for defamation, a move that would lead them down a contentious legal battle culminating in this unprecedented monetary award.
Jurors tasked with determining the damages took into consideration two specific statements made by Trump while he was in office. Their decision was not to confirm whether the assault happened, but rather, to appraise the financial consequences of Trump's verbal retaliation against Carroll. Consequently, the jury granted Carroll $18.3 million in compensatory damages for the toll on her reputation and an additional $65 million meant to punish Trump for his conduct.
E. Jean Carroll hailed the verdict as a triumph not just for herself, but "for every woman who stands up when she's been knocked down.” Meanwhile, Trump, a leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination, denounced the verdict on social media as "absolutely ridiculous" and an abuse of the legal system for political gains. He further railed against the ruling as contradictory to American justice.
Events in the courtroom were tense as Trump, who attended the trial, walked out amid Carroll's lawyer's closing statements only to return later. His abrupt departure, ahead of the verdict, symbolized his dissent toward the proceedings that had unfolded. This legal setback is not the only one on Trump’s horizon; he also faces a separate New York civil fraud case seeking the recuperation of $370 million due to alleged financial statement misrepresentations and multiple criminal inquiries, including allegations of election interference in Georgia.
Trump's legal team has not disclosed plans for an appeal at this time. However, given Trump’s harsh criticism of the judgment, legal experts anticipate that Trump's camp will almost certainly pursue further action in appellate courts to contest the verdict. This case adds another layer of complexity to Trump's political aspirations as he fuels his campaign for the 2024 presidential election.