Ultimate Defamation Verdict: Trump’s Reckoning As Carroll Wins $83 Million

In a significant legal development, a federal jury in New York has delivered a resounding verdict in the widely publicized defamation lawsuit involving former President Donald Trump and acclaimed writer E. Jean Carroll. The jury concluded that Trump must pay Carroll a staggering $83 million in damages, attributing the decision to Trump’s repeated public defamations that caused significant harm to Carroll.

The Verdict Unpacked

The defamation trial, which began its proceedings on January 16, 2024, saw Trump as the concluding witness, with his testimony concise, lasting under five minutes. This is not the first legal stumble for Trump concerning Carroll’s allegations. 

A different jury in the past found him liable for sexually assaulting Carroll in a New York City department store during the 1990s and for ridiculing her claims post his presidential tenure. They awarded Carroll $5 million in damages – a judgment currently under appeal by Trump.

Back to the defamation trial, the jury’s decision came after intense deliberations, a testament to the complexity and high stakes of the case. The nine-member panel meticulously assessed the evidence, ultimately deciding upon an award of $11 million for reputational damage, $7.3 million for emotional distress, and $65 million for punitive damages. 

These figures sprung from the foundation laid by a previous legal decision where Trump was found culpable for slandering Carroll during his presidency. Consequently, the jury in this case was responsible for determining the quantum of damages.

Carroll’s case focused on her allegations that Trump raped her at the Bergdorf Goodman department store opposite Trump Tower in Manhattan in 1996. She sought $12 million in damages, contending that her reputation was significantly tarnished as a result of Trump’s denial and defamatory remarks made during his presidency in June 2019. After their deliberations, the jury decided that Carroll should receive $83.3 million in damages, marking a significant legal victory for her.

Diverse Reactions to the Verdict

A high level of drama surrounded the proceedings, with Trump leaving the courtroom abruptly during Carroll’s closing argument, only to return for his attorney’s summary. He later used his social media platform, Truth Social, to voice his dissent, labeling the verdict “absolutely ridiculous” and vowing to appeal. 

“They have taken away all First Amendment Rights. THIS IS NOT AMERICA!” Trump wrote.

Also, his attorney, Alina Habba, mirrored his sentiments, stating the verdict “reeks” and “is a violation of our justice system.”

Carroll, in contrast, maintained a dignified silence in the immediate aftermath. However, she later issued a statement hailing the verdict as “a great victory for every woman.”

Moreover, her attorney, Roberta Kaplan, reinforced this perspective, asserting that the verdict “proves that the law applies to everyone in our country, even the rich, even the famous, even former presidents.”

Trump’s Defense

Throughout the proceedings, Trump and his legal team held steadfast in their stance that Carroll was merely attempting to promote her book.

“I have absolutely no idea who this woman is,” Trump has repeatedly stated to Fox News Digital. After the verdict, he criticized Judge Kaplan on his Truth Social account for allegedly refusing to admit into evidence a CNN interview with Anderson Cooper where Carroll allegedly made questionable remarks.

“Judge Kaplan is refusing me my Constitutional Right to Due Process, to defend myself against this False Accusation,” Trump wrote. “This is a one-sided trial, where the other side is allowed everything, and we are allowed nothing. He is an extremely abusive individual, the likes of which few have seen before!”

Conclusion

As the legal battle continues, with Trump appealing the previous ruling and now the recent defamation verdict, the implications of this case extend beyond the individuals involved. Supporters of the outcome state that it serves as a precedent, demonstrating that the justice system will not tolerate defamatory statements and that those who make them will face consequences.

In conclusion, the jury’s decision to award E. Jean Carroll $83 million in damages is a significant milestone. This verdict sets a powerful example for future cases involving public figures. Journalists will monitor this case and any appeals carefully.