Court fines Trump $83.3 million, over 8x lawsuit’s demand, in E. Jean Carroll defamation case
Jury Orders Donald Trump to Pay $83.3 Million in Defamation Trial
A jury has ruled that former President Donald Trump must pay writer E. Jean Carroll a staggering $83.3 million in damages in a defamation trial that concluded on Friday.
The amount awarded to Carroll is more than three times what her legal team initially requested and over eight times the amount she originally sued for, according to CNN.
The jury found that Trump owed Carroll $11 million to cover the costs of repairing the damage to her reputation and $7.3 million to address the emotional harm she suffered from Trump’s remarks in 2019 regarding her rape allegations. Additionally, the jury ordered Trump to pay $65 million in punitive damages.
In response to the verdict, Trump released a statement vowing to appeal the decision and criticizing the trial as a “Biden Directed Witch Hunt” that infringes on his First Amendment rights.
“THIS IS NOT AMERICA!” pic.twitter.com/A0uQ9RMcoI
— Liz Harrington (@realLizUSA) January 26, 2024
The jury deliberated for two hours and 45 minutes before delivering their verdict. Trump, who had attended the trial earlier in the day, was not present when the decision was announced.
U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan thanked the jurors for their service and advised them to keep their involvement confidential.
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The conclusion of the trial was marked by chaos, with Judge Kaplan threatening to imprison one of Trump’s attorneys and Trump himself storming out of the courtroom during Carroll’s closing argument.
Kaplan warned Trump’s attorney, Alina Habba, that she was close to being held in contempt of court after a heated exchange over admissible evidence.
During the trial, Trump abruptly left the courtroom while Carroll’s legal team was presenting their closing arguments. Judge Kaplan made a note of the incident, stating, “The record will reflect that Mr. Trump just rose and walked out of the courtroom.”
What evidence was presented during the trial that supported E. Jean Carroll’s claims of sexual assault against Donald Trump?
Al distress caused by his defamatory statements. In addition, the jury awarded Carroll an astonishing $65 million in punitive damages, meant to punish Trump for his actions and deter others from engaging in similar behavior.
The defamation trial stems from an incident in 2019 when Carroll accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in a fitting room of a luxury department store in the mid-1990s. In response to these allegations, Trump denied ever meeting Carroll and dismissed her claims as “fictional” and politically motivated. He even went as far as to publicly insult Carroll’s physical appearance, stating that she was “not my type” and implying that she was lying about the incident.
Carroll, a well-known writer and advice columnist, filed a defamation lawsuit against Trump, arguing that his statements damaged her reputation and caused significant emotional distress. Throughout the trial, Carroll’s legal team presented evidence that supported her claims and exposed contradictions in Trump’s defense. This evidence, coupled with Carroll’s credibility and the seriousness of the accusations, likely influenced the jury’s decision to award such a substantial amount in damages.
The jury’s verdict sends a powerful message about the consequences of defamatory statements, even if they are made by a prominent figure like a former president. It highlights the importance of holding individuals accountable for the harm they cause to others through their words and actions. Furthermore, it illustrates the significance of credibility and evidence in legal proceedings, as well as the role of a jury in determining the appropriate compensation for the damages suffered by the plaintiff.
However, it is important to note that the final amount awarded to Carroll may be subject to appeal and could be reduced in the future. Trump’s legal team has already expressed their intention to challenge the verdict, arguing that it is politically motivated and politically influenced. It remains to be seen how these appeals will unfold and whether they will ultimately affect the outcome of the trial.
Regardless of the future of this case, the jury’s decision stands as a significant moment in the #MeToo movement and a reminder that no one is above the law, not even a former president. It is a testament to the power of the legal system in seeking justice and providing a platform for the voices of victims to be heard. It also serves as a warning to individuals in positions of power that their actions and words can have far-reaching consequences.
In conclusion, the defamation trial between E. Jean Carroll and Donald Trump resulted in a jury ordering Trump to pay $83.3 million in damages. This verdict reflects the severity of the harm caused by Trump’s defamatory statements and sends a powerful message about the accountability of individuals, regardless of their status. It is a victory for Carroll and a milestone in the fight against defamation and sexual misconduct.
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