Trump will have to pay $83.3 million for defamation of E. Jean Carroll

A decision that reverberated beyond the Manhattan courtroom. This Friday, January 26, the former President of the United States, Donald Trump, was fined 83.3 million dollars for damages caused to 80-year-old writer E. Jean Carroll for his denial that he raped her in the mid-1990s. Was sentenced to pay. ninety.

The most recent verdict adds to last year’s ruling that determined the magnate must pay five million dollars for sexually assaulting her – rape was ruled out – and defaming her, it That was as a result of the lawsuit she filed against Trump in November 2019 after Carroll denied that he had raped her.

in that sense, 77-year-old Trump will have to pay a total of $88.3 million to the author,

Carroll was relieved after the verdict, which he celebrated with his lawyers and said in a statement after leaving the court:

This is a huge win for every woman who stands up when she’s been knocked down, and a huge defeat for every bully who has ever tried to keep a woman down.

for its part, Trump said he strongly disagreed with the court’s decision and assured that he would appeal the decision. The former president called it “absolutely ridiculous.” In addition, he launched a general attack on the American legal system. “This is out of control and being used as a political weapon,” the Republican leader said, adding: “This is not the United States of America.”

The billionaire, who is in full campaign to become the Republican nominee for this year’s presidential elections, appeared in court, which he released in judgment.

His lawyer, Alina Habba, said, “This will not stop us. We will continue to fight. And, I assure you, we may not win today, but we will win.” He also repeated Trump’s allegations and criticized the jury, made up of seven men and two women.

test development

Carroll’s legal team, led by attorney Roberta Kaplan, presented a compelling case. Kaplan stressed the need for fair and punitive compensation for his client. He highlighted the devastating impact it had on Carroll’s reputation and emotional well-being.

Specifically, the purpose of this new jury was to determine the amount of money Trump should pay. That means the rape of the writer was not discussed.

In that sense, his lawyer pointed out that the magnate should be punished with an amount that would stop Carroll’s continued defamation by the magnate calling him “crazy” and a “liar”. Additionally, he said that Trump had declared assets of at least $14 billion and that his brand alone is worth $10 billion.

“Donald Trump is willing to use his money and power to defame people whenever he wants,” Kaplan said. He added, “They ignored the latest decision as if it never happened.”

Earlier during the trial, Carroll himself had presented his side. “They destroyed my reputation,” she said. Additionally, she said that previously she was “known only as a journalist and had a column,” whereas now she was a “liar, a cheater, and a crazy woman.” “Known as.” Similarly, he also condemned the death threats he received.

Trump’s defense, represented by attorney Hubba, argued that Carroll had benefited financially from the allegations and was not entitled to further compensation.

Trump himself testified and denied Carroll’s allegations. The former president was asked if he stood by his sworn statement in which he called Carroll a “liar” and “crazy,” to which he replied: “100 percent. Yes.”

The final verdict announced by the jury, Carroll was awarded $18.3 million in compensatory damages and $65 million in punitive damages.

Why is Carroll suing Trump?

Carroll’s original lawsuit dates back to November 2019 when she initially sued Trump for denying that he raped her in a dressing room at a Bergdorf Goodman store in Manhattan in the mid-1990s.

He also tells this story in his book, in which he tells in detail what happened in the fitting room that day. Carroll claims he managed to flee the situation and did not report the incident at the time out of fear of retaliation.

In this case, the lawsuit, which led to Friday’s ruling, relates specifically to statements made by Trump in which he classified the author as a “scam.”

The first ruling in New York ruled that Trump had defamed Carroll by making false statements about him. denied rape But it was considered sexual harassment.

A decision in the middle of the campaign

The Carroll matter is another matter that Trump is facing, In a year which will be decisive for his political and judicial future.

On the one hand, the tycoon has won his first two major electoral tests – in Iowa and New Hampshire – to become the Republican nominee for president.

On the other hand, she is involved in cases that relate to her alleged involvement in the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021, as well as alleged tax fraud with her companies and alleged payments to a porn star for her silence. among others.

Trump appears to have changed his strategy regarding his court cases in recent months. Previously, he was absent from the courts and now he is a constant presence: he uses the microphone to denounce alleged witch hunts. A discourse that has become prevalent among a section of the electorate.

In this case, specifically, he was not required to attend the trial or testify. Despite everything, he reached the court.

On Tuesday, Trump won the New Hampshire primary, defeating his only opponent in the Republican race, Nikki Haley. In fact, Haley, speaking about the decision on Friday, said that people were “talking about the loss of $83 million” rather than fixing the cap or inflation.

With AP, Reuters and AFP