A federal appeals court has upheld the jury’s decision finding former President Donald Trump liable for sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll, marking a significant legal victory for Carroll and her legal team. The decision also denied Trump’s request for a new trial, cementing the $5 million civil verdict.
Legal Challenges and Court Findings
Trump contested the verdict, claiming that the trial judge erred in allowing testimony from two women who accused him of prior sexual assaults. However, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals determined that the trial judge acted within his discretion. They added that any potential errors were unlikely to have impacted the strength of Carroll’s case.
“Today’s decision gratifies both E. Jean Carroll and me,” said Roberta Kaplan, Carroll’s attorney. “We thank the Second Circuit for carefully considering the parties’ arguments.”
Background of the Case
Carroll alleged that Trump sexually abused her in a Bergdorf Goodman department store and subsequently defamed her when he denied the incident. She stated that Trump dismissed her claims by saying she wasn’t his type and accusing her of fabricating the story to sell books.
While the jury found Trump guilty of sexual abuse, they did not conclude that Carroll had proven rape. The case was filed under the “New York State Adult Survivors Act,” which allowed survivors to bring forward allegations long past the statute of limitations.
Defamation and Additional Awards
In a separate case, Carroll was awarded $83.3 million after a jury found that Trump defamed her by denying the sexual abuse. Trump has appealed this verdict as well. Despite the civil judgments, Trump faces no criminal penalties related to these cases.
Trump’s Response and Ongoing Appeals
Steven Cheung, Trump’s spokesman, and incoming White House communications director, dismissed the verdicts as politically motivated.
“The American people have re-elected President Trump with an overwhelming mandate, and they demand an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system,” said Cheung. He further stated that Trump would continue to appeal the decisions and referred to the allegations as a “Democrat-funded Carroll Hoax.”
A Pivotal Moment for Survivors
Carroll’s case, filed under New York’s groundbreaking law for adult survivors, has become a symbol of how legal avenues can empower survivors to pursue justice despite decades-old allegations. Legal experts believe the case sets a precedent for similar lawsuits moving forward.
The court’s decision to uphold the verdict underscores the credibility of Carroll’s claims and marks a significant legal setback for Trump as he faces a series of other legal battles. As appeals continue, the case remains a focal point in the ongoing public and legal scrutiny surrounding the former president.
