Trump Ordered to Pay $83.3 Million in Damages for Defaming E. Jean Carroll
A federal jury has ordered former President Donald Trump to pay $83.3 million in damages for defaming E. Jean Carroll, a longtime advice columnist when he denied her accusation of sexual assault. The verdict marks the second time that Trump has been found liable for defaming Carroll.
Background
E. Jean Carroll, a former advice columnist, accused Donald Trump of sexually assaulting her in a department store dressing room in the mid-1990s¹. In 2019, when Carroll went public with her allegations, Trump denied ever having met her and accused her of lying.
Carroll then sued Trump for defamation, claiming that his statements had damaged her reputation.
The Verdict
On January 26, 2024, a federal jury ordered Trump to pay $83.3 million in damages to Carroll.
The verdict was based on the jury's finding that Trump had defamed Carroll by denying her allegations of sexual assault.
The damages included $11 million to repair her reputation, $7.3 million in other compensatory damages, and $65 million in punitive damages.
Trump's Response
Trump has not yet commented on the verdict. However, he has previously denied Carroll's allegations and claimed that she was lying. Trump has also been found liable for defaming Carroll in a separate civil trial in which he was ordered to pay her $5 million in damages.
Implications
The verdict in this case is significant because it marks the second time that Trump has been found liable for defaming Carroll. It also highlights the importance of holding powerful individuals accountable for their actions. The verdict sends a message that defaming someone, especially in the context of sexual assault allegations, can have serious consequences.
Conclusion
The verdict in the E. Jean Carroll defamation case is a significant development in the ongoing legal battles between Trump and his accusers. The damages awarded to Carroll are among the highest ever awarded in a defamation case. The verdict sends a message that defaming someone, especially in the context of sexual assault allegations, can have serious consequences. It also highlights the importance of holding powerful individuals accountable for their actions.
