Former US President Donald Trump has been ordered to pay an additional $83.3 million to E. Jean Carroll, the writer who accused him of sexual assault. This verdict comes just months after Carroll was awarded $5 million in a sexual assault and defamation case against the former president. Despite the substantial award, Trump has dismissed it as an “absolutely ridiculous” decision and has announced plans to appeal.
The recent judgment includes $18.3 million in compensation for the harm caused to Carroll’s reputation and an additional $65 million in punitive damages. The punitive damages are intended to penalize Trump and serve as a deterrent against engaging in future acts of defamation. This legal development occurred after Trump had stormed out of the courtroom during Carroll’s attorneys’ closing arguments, breaching courtroom decorum.
E. Jean Carroll, a columnist, expressed her satisfaction with the verdict, stating, “This is a great victory for every woman who stands up when she’s been knocked down, and a huge defeat for every bully who has tried to keep a woman down.” The case stems from an incident in 1996 at Bergdorf Goodman’s Fifth Avenue store, where Carroll alleges that Trump sexually assaulted her by slamming her against a dressing room wall, pulling down her tights, and forcing himself on her.
In an earlier civil jury decision in 2023, E. Jean Carroll was awarded $5 million in damages in connection to the sexual assault case. While Trump was not found liable for rape, the court held him responsible for sexually abusing Carroll and subsequently defaming her by claiming she fabricated the assault. Trump is also appealing this earlier award.
The former president is currently awaiting a verdict in a separate New York civil fraud trial. In this case, state lawyers are seeking the return of $370 million, alleging that these funds were ill-gotten gains from loans and deals made using financial statements that exaggerated Trump’s wealth.
Trump’s response to the latest judgment was swift, declaring the legal system “out of control” and suggesting it is being used as a “political weapon.” His statement reflects his longstanding contention that legal challenges against him are politically motivated.
The ongoing legal battles add to the legal woes faced by the former president since leaving office. The outcomes of these cases will likely have significant implications for Trump’s financial standing and public image. The sizable financial awards in the E. Jean Carroll case send a strong message about accountability for those in positions of power, particularly in cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the controversies surrounding Trump’s conduct both during and after his presidency continue to be a focal point of public attention. The decisions in these cases will shape the narrative surrounding Trump’s legacy, further impacting his standing in the political landscape and public opinion.
