Former President Donald Trump has been ordered to pay writer E. Jean Carroll over $83 million in damages for repeatedly defaming her. The jury deliberated for just under three hours before reaching a verdict. The damages include $11 million for damage to Carroll’s reputation, $7.3 million for emotional harm and other damages, and $65 million in punitive damages. However, Trump has expressed his intention to appeal the decision, stating that it is a violation of First Amendment rights.
The case revolves around Carroll’s allegation that Trump sexually abused her and Trump’s subsequent mocking of her claims. Trump was previously found liable for defamation while he was president, so this trial was solely focused on determining the amount of damages Carroll should receive. Carroll’s attorney, Roberta Kaplan, had requested at least $24 million in compensatory damages and significant punitive damages to deter Trump from continuing to defame her.
Kaplan argued that Trump believed he was exempt from the rules and consequences due to his wealth and power. She presented evidence of Trump’s repeated public attacks on Carroll, both before and after the earlier verdict. Kaplan urged the jury to hold Trump accountable for his actions and make him pay for the harm he had caused.
On the other hand, Trump’s attorney, Alina Habba, claimed that Carroll was not entitled to any damages because she actively sought attention and comments. Habba also argued that Trump should not be held responsible for the threats Carroll received online. She disputed the expert report presented by Carroll, which estimated the cost of repairing her reputation at $7 million to $12 million.
The trial began on January 16, with Trump as the final witness. He testified for less than five minutes, reiterating his belief that Carroll’s accusation was false. This is the second verdict against Trump in favor of Carroll. In the previous case, a different jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll in the 1990s and for defaming her after leaving the White House, awarding her $5 million in damages. Trump is currently appealing that judgment.
U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan, who is not related to Carroll’s attorney, upheld Trump’s liability for defamation based on the previous jury’s findings. However, Trump still managed to claim during his testimony that Carroll’s allegation was fabricated, despite this being prohibited by the judge’s ruling.
Carroll celebrated the verdict as a significant victory for women who stand up against their oppressors. Her attorney, Roberta Kaplan, emphasized that the decision demonstrated that the law applies equally to all individuals, regardless of their wealth or fame. The jury’s decision sends a powerful message that defamation and harm caused to an individual’s reputation will not be tolerated, even when the person responsible is a former president.
While Trump has expressed disagreement with the verdict and his intention to appeal, the outcome of this case underscores the importance of accountability and the consequences that individuals may face for their actions. It serves as a reminder that freedom of speech does not grant immunity to defame and harm others, and that individuals can seek legal recourse to protect their reputations and hold perpetrators accountable.
