A federal appeals court in New York has ruled that former President Donald Trump must pay $83.3 million in damages to writer E. Jean Carroll. The ruling comes after Carroll accused Trump of sexual harassment and defamation, sparking a high-profile legal battle that drew national attention.
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What Happened
A three-judge panel of the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals denied Trump’s appeal of a previous jury verdict, confirming that the damages awarded were “appropriate and justified.” The judges emphasized the seriousness of Trump’s actions, noting that Carroll endured substantial harassment, including threats to her life, as a result of Trump’s public statements.
Trump’s legal team argued that the punitive damages—particularly the $65 million component—were excessive and requested a reconsideration based on presidential immunity claims. However, the court rejected these arguments, stating that Trump’s repeated and aggressive public attacks on Carroll warranted substantial financial punishment. The appeals ruling upholds the jury’s award in full and dismisses all claims for reversal.
Reactions
Carroll’s attorneys celebrated the decision as a vindication of her truth. They noted that Carroll faced hundreds of threats throughout the legal process and endured years of public scrutiny. “This is the time to put the matter behind us,” said Carroll’s lawyer, emphasizing that the ruling brings closure to a prolonged and stressful battle.
The allegations originated from Carroll’s 2019 memoir, in which she claimed that Trump assaulted her in a department store dressing room in the 1990s. Trump has consistently denied the allegations, accusing Carroll of fabricating the story to promote her book.
Financial Details
- Initial trial damages: $5 million for alleged assaults and related losses.
- Secondary trial damages: $78.3 million for defamation linked to Trump’s statements while in office, reflecting the ongoing harm to Carroll’s reputation and career.
The appeals court upheld all prior rulings, confirming that the trial was conducted fairly and that the damages awarded were justified by Trump’s repeated defamation campaign.
What’s Next
As the case continues to attract attention, it underscores the legal and personal challenges faced by public figures, particularly when their actions cause significant harm to others. The ruling also reinforces the principle that public statements by those in power carry accountability, even years after the alleged misconduct.
