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Donald Trump has faced another setback in his legal battles, as a federal appeals court upheld the $5 million verdict won by journalist E. Jean Carroll. This decision solidifies the earlier findings that held Trump liable for defamation and sexual assault, further intensifying the ongoing controversy surrounding the former U.S. President.
1. The Appeal and Its Implications
On Monday, a three-judge panel from the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan rejected Trump’s attempt to overturn the verdict. This ruling comes after a lengthy legal battle that began with Carroll’s accusation of sexual assault in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room in 1996 and Trump’s subsequent defamation claims on Truth Social in 2022.
The upheld verdict not only reinforces the jury’s decision but also sets a precedent for future defamation cases involving high-profile individuals. With Trump losing this appeal, the path is now clearer for Carroll to pursue further legal actions if desired.
2. Background of the Case
The original May 2023 verdict was a result of Carroll’s lawsuit against Trump, where she accused him of sexually abusing her and defaming her reputation when he denied the allegations. The jury awarded Carroll $2.02 million for sexual assault and $2.98 million for defamation, totaling the $5 million verdict.
Despite Trump’s attempts to dismiss the case, citing alleged procedural errors such as the inclusion of testimonies from other accusers like Jessica Leeds and Natasha Stoynoff, the appeals court found no merit in these arguments, thereby upholding the original decision.
3. The Road Ahead
Trump’s legal team is not backing down, as he continues to seek ways to challenge the verdict. The focus now shifts to the $83.3 million defamation verdict from 2019, where Trump was initially ordered to pay Carroll for his defamatory statements. While he has won some victories, like the immunity of sitting presidents in civil cases, the persistent legal challenges indicate that Trump’s legal battles are far from over.
Meanwhile, E. Jean Carroll remains determined to see justice served, utilizing the legal system to address the accusations against Trump. This ongoing saga highlights the complexities of defamation and sexual assault cases involving public figures and the rigorous scrutiny they undergo in the court of law.
