A federal judge in New York has rejected former President Donald Trump's appeal of the $83.3 million fine awarded to E. Jean Carroll after a jury found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation. The judge also denied Trump's request for a new trial.
A federal judge in New York has dismissed former President Donald Trump's appeal of the $83.3 million damages awarded to E. Jean Carroll after a jury found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation. The judge also denied Trump's request for a new trial.
The lawsuit stemmed from Carroll's allegations that Trump raped her in a dressing room at the Bergdorf Goodman department store in Manhattan in the mid-1990s. Trump vehemently denied the accusation, calling it "fabricated" and "a complete lie."
In January 2023, a federal jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation. The jury awarded Carroll $18.3 million in compensatory damages and $65 million in punitive damages, totaling $83.3 million.
Trump's legal team filed an appeal arguing that the trial court limited his testimony and that his statements about Carroll's allegations were protected by the First Amendment. They also requested a new trial.
In their motion for a new trial, Trump's lawyers argued that the court severely limited the former president's testimony, which they claimed influenced the jury's verdict. They also contended that statements he made about Carroll's allegations were meant to "defend his reputation, protect his family, and defend his Presidency."
However, the federal judge rejected Trump's arguments and upheld the jury's verdict. The judge wrote that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in limiting Trump's testimony and that his statements about Carroll's allegations were not protected by the First Amendment.
Carroll expressed satisfaction with the judge's decision. In a statement, she said, "I am pleased that my case and my story have been heard and taken seriously. I have no comment on the pending contempt motion."
Trump has not publicly commented on the judge's ruling. However, he has repeatedly denied the allegations against him and has called Carroll's lawsuit a "political witch hunt."
The judge's decision is a significant victory for Carroll and her legal team. It sends a strong message that powerful individuals cannot escape accountability for their actions, even if they attempt to use their influence to dismiss allegations of wrongdoing.
The lawsuit is still ongoing, as Carroll has filed a motion alleging contempt of court against Trump for failing to comply with discovery orders. A hearing on that motion is scheduled for March 22, 2023.
