A federal appeals court upheld E. Jean Carroll’s $5 million verdict against Donald Trump for sexual abuse and defamation, denying his retrial request.
A federal appeals court has upheld the jury’s verdict against Donald Trump. The court affirmed that he sexually abused writer E. Jean Carroll and defamed her.
This ruling, issued on December 30, 2024, confirmed a $5 million civil judgment awarded to Carroll. The jury found Trump liable for actions dating back to the 1990s.
In the nine-day trial held in 2023, jurors concluded that Trump assaulted Carroll in a dressing room at Bergdorf Goodman department store. They also found him guilty of defamation for his dismissive comments about her allegations made in 2022.
The jury awarded Carroll $2.02 million for sexual assault and $2.98 million for defamation.
Trump’s legal team argued that the trial judge made several errors. They claimed the judge wrongly allowed testimony from two other women who accused him of sexual misconduct.
However, the appellate court ruled that these testimonies were relevant and did not violate Trump’s rights. The judges stated, “We find that Mr. Trump has not proven that the district court made any errors in the rulings he contested.”
Roberta Kaplan, Carroll’s attorney, expressed satisfaction with the ruling. She highlighted its significance for survivors of sexual abuse.
Kaplan said, “E. Jean Carroll and I are grateful today to the Second Circuit for its careful consideration of the parties’ arguments.”
This ruling marks a significant moment in ongoing legal battles involving Trump. He has denied all allegations and described them as politically motivated attacks against him.
Trump’s spokesperson indicated that further appeals are likely. They asserted that “the people have elected President with an agenda” and called for an end to what they term “weaponization” of justice against him.
The court’s decision not only upholds Carroll’s verdict but also reinforces the legal framework established under New York’s Adult Survivors Act. This act allows victims to bring forth claims that had previously exceeded the statute of limitations.
As this case continues to unfold, it remains a focal point in discussions about accountability and justice for survivors of sexual assault.
The appellate court’s ruling serves as a pivotal development in both Carroll’s pursuit of justice and Trump’s ongoing legal challenges. The implications of this case extend beyond individual accountability, reflecting broader societal issues surrounding sexual misconduct and defamation.
