Donald Trump has been ordered to pay a substantial $83.3 million by a New York jury on Friday to E. Jean Carroll. Carroll, who accused Trump of rape, pursued the case alleging defamation when Trump labeled her as a liar.
$83.3 Million in Damages
Carroll was granted a $65 million punitive damages award, along with $11 million to compensate for harm to her reputation and an additional $7.3 million.
Hastily Exit
The former president, who had been in the courtroom earlier, hastily departed the courtroom before the decision was announced.
Rape Allegations
Carroll filed a lawsuit against Trump in November 2019. This legal action stemmed from his earlier denials, made five months earlier, regarding allegations that he had raped her in a department store dressing room in Manhattan during the mid-1990s.
Trump’s Reaction
Trump, 77, asserted unfamiliarity with Carroll and accused her of fabricating the story to promote her book.
“Out of Control” System
Post-judgment, Trump issued a statement critiquing the legal system: “Absolutely ridiculous! Our legal system is out of control and being used as a political weapon.” Trump also announced his intention to appeal the verdict.
Previous Compensation
A different jury in May required Trump to compensate Carroll with $5 million over a similar denial in October 2022. Trump is currently appealing this decision.
Second Trial
This case marks the second in nine months related to Carroll’s claim of a violent encounter with Trump in 1996. In May, the jury held Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation.
Restrictions by Judge
Trump, who skipped the first trial and regretted not testifying, was present in the second trial but faced restrictions from the judge.
Brief Testimony
Despite weeks of declaring his intention to testify in his defense, Trump eventually took the witness stand on January 25, but his testimony was brief, lasting only a few minutes.
“This is not America”
In his testimony, he denied assaulting Carroll and expressed discontent, remarking, “This is not America.” Apart from his testimony, Trump participated in several days of the trial and spoke about the case outside the courtroom.
Jury’s Task
The jury was tasked with determining the monetary compensation that Trump should provide Carroll for two statements he made while he was president.
Statements Responding to Accusations
These statements were given in response to reporters’ questions after excerpts from her memoir were featured in a magazine in which she accused Trump of sexually assaulting her.
“Not My Type”
He unequivocally refuted her allegation in one statement, asserting she was “not my type.”
Millions in Damages
Carroll’s attorneys sought $24 million in compensatory damages and a high punitive award. In her closing arguments, Carroll’s lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, emphasized the need to deter Trump from making further defamatory statements.
“Whack Job”
Carroll has been accused of lying and being a “whack job” by the former president.
Trump’s Swift Exit
Trump vigorously shook his head as Kaplan spoke and then abruptly rose from his seat and departed, accompanied by Secret Service agents.
Warning to Habba
His departure occurred just moments after the judge issued a warning to send Trump’s attorney, Alina Habba, to jail for persisting in speaking when he had already indicated that she had finished.
“Sit Down”
The judge told Habba, “You are on the verge of spending some time in the lock-up. Now sit down.”
Political Attacks
Trump continues to frame his legal challenges as political attacks, with no evidence of White House involvement.
Carroll’s Testimony
Carroll described in her testimony that Trump’s statements had a profound impact on her life, resulting in death threats and extensive security measures at her residence, including the installation of an electronic fence.
From Journalist to Liar
“Previously, I was known as simply as a journalist and had a column, and now I’m known as the liar, the fraud, and the whack job,” Carroll stated.
Reputation Reclaim
She expressed her desire to reclaim her reputation and halt Trump’s defamatory remarks.
Accusations of Gaining Fame
Trump’s lawyer, Habba, argued that Carroll had benefited from her accusations, gaining fame and requiring no damages.
Tensions in the Courtroom
In an earlier phase of the trial, Mr. Trump pushed the limits of the judge’s patience. He voiced his dissatisfaction with what he considered a “witch hunt” and a “con job” within earshot of the jurors, prompting Judge Kaplan to issue a warning that he could be removed from the courtroom if such behavior recurred.
“Nasty Judge”
At a news conference, Trump called Judge Kaplan a “nasty judge.”
Leading GOP candidate
The jury’s verdict was delivered shortly after Trump secured victory in the New Hampshire primary, solidifying his position as the leading candidate for the GOP.
New York Civil Case
This case is one of many involving Trump, who is currently awaiting a verdict in another civil trial. In that trial, he may face a significant financial penalty, with the potential of having to pay at least $250 million to New York state for business practices that a judge has ruled as fraudulent.
Ban from Business
There is also the possibility of him being banned from conducting business in the state where he established his reputation as a real estate magnate.
91 Charges
Trump is confronting a total of 91 charges spanning federal and state trials, encompassing those in New York and others on the federal level, including charges related to the January 6 Capitol riot.
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