Author E. Jean Carroll filed a civil lawsuit against former US President Donald Trump, accusing him of defamation and battery for allegedly sexually assaulting her in a dressing room at a high-end department store in 1996. A federal jury in Manhattan found Trump guilty of the charges and ordered him to pay $5 million in damages to Carroll.
Carroll’s accusations became public in 2019 when she mentioned them in her autobiography. Trump vehemently denied these allegations, asserting he had no previous encounter with Carroll and insinuating she was not his type. Utilizing the New York State Adult Survivors Act, Carroll initiated a lawsuit last year. This law allows for a temporary period to file claims for sexual assault that have exceeded the statute of limitations.
Although the jury confirmed that Trump had sexually assaulted Carroll, it did not conclude that she had substantiated a rape claim. Trump, who was absent from the trial, plans to contest the judgement, referring to it as a “disgrace” and a “political witch hunt”. His lawyer, Joe Tacopina, stated that Trump is prepared to advance with the appeals process.
The recent verdict in E. Jean Carroll’s civil lawsuit against Donald Trump is being hailed as a significant win for not only Carroll but also all women who have suffered abuse and not been believed. Her lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, stated that the verdict sends a clear message that no one, not even a former President of the United States, is above the law.
The ruling comes at a time when Trump is facing legal troubles on multiple fronts, with investigations ongoing in several states. However, despite these legal complications, Trump is still seen as a leading contender for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. His potential opponents have been reluctant to address his legal troubles, instead focusing on his ability to win the election.
During the trial, Carroll offered detailed testimony about the alleged attack, while Trump’s lawyer continually questioned why she did not yell for help during the incident. The jury was advised that an individual is guilty of sexual abuse if they coerce another person into sexual contact without consent.
Although the verdict does not legally impede Trump’s potential presidential bid, he remains under criminal scrutiny, most notably regarding Manhattan prosecutors’ case against him over hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, who alleges they had an extramarital affair (Trump refutes the accusation).
In sum, the verdict deals a substantial legal setback to Trump and emphasizes that even a former president is not exempt from the law. It further highlights the ongoing issue of sexual assault and abuse in our society, reinforcing the importance of believing and supporting survivors.
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