Poli Alert Political & Civics
Related Articles
Jimmy Williams
A federal jury in New York has ruled that former President Donald Trump must pay writer E. Jean Carroll over $83 million in damages for repeatedly defaming her.
The jury, composed of nine individuals, delivered its verdict after three hours of deliberation in federal court. The sizable award encompasses $11 million for damage to Carroll’s reputation, $7.3 million for emotional harm and other damages, and a substantial $65 million in punitive damages.
The verdict is the culmination of a case that started with Carroll accusing Trump of sexual abuse, and it underscores the legal consequences for defaming someone. This follows a prior ruling where Trump was found liable for defaming Carroll while he was in office, and this jury’s role was specifically to determine the monetary damages Carroll should receive.
The trial was marked by contentious moments, including Trump storming out of the courtroom during closing arguments. He returned for his attorney’s closing statements but left before the jury reached its decision. Trump expressed his discontent on his social media platform Truth Social, calling the verdict “absolutely ridiculous” and declaring his intent to appeal, alleging infringement on his First Amendment rights.
“Absolutely ridiculous!” he wrote, adding he would be appealing. “They have taken away all First Amendment Rights. THIS IS NOT AMERICA!”
Carroll, on the other hand, hailed the decision as a significant victory for women standing up against those who seek to silence them. Her attorney, Roberta Kaplan, emphasized that the verdict reinforces the principle that the law applies to everyone, including those who are wealthy, famous, or hold the position of a former president.
The awarded damages were comprehensive, reflecting the harm to Carroll’s reputation, emotional distress, and punitive measures. The jury’s decision to award such a substantial amount signals the severity of the defamation and its impact on Carroll’s life.
Trump’s attorney, Alina Habba, strongly criticized the verdict, claiming it “reeks” and asserting that the case represented a violation of the justice system. She argued that Carroll actively sought attention and had failed to demonstrate entitlement to damages. This perspective indicates the continued legal battle and the potential for an appeal from Trump’s legal team.
This verdict represents the second legal setback for Trump in a case involving Carroll. In a previous ruling, a different jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll and defaming her with mocking statements after leaving the White House. That jury awarded Carroll $5 million in damages, a decision that Trump is currently appealing. The recent verdict adds another layer to the legal challenges faced by the former president.
