In a significant legal blow to former President Donald Trump, a jury has awarded $83.3 million to E. Jean Carroll. This decision comes as a result of Trump’s social media attacks against Carroll, who accused him of sexually assaulting her in a Manhattan department store. Combined with a previous $5 million verdict, Trump is now required to pay Carroll a total of $88.3 million. The former president has expressed his intention to appeal the decision.
Carroll, an 80-year-old advice columnist, showed visible relief and joy as the jury, consisting of seven men and two women, delivered the verdict. This marks the second time in nine months that a civil jury has ruled on Carroll’s claims. She accused Trump of a violent encounter in 1996 at Bergdorf Goodman’s Fifth Avenue store. The jury found Trump not liable for rape but responsible for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll.
Trump attended the trial but left during closing arguments, returning only for parts of the deliberations. In response to the verdict, he called the legal system “out of control” and accused it of being used as a political weapon. Trump’s attorney, Alina Habba, stated that the verdict resulted from choosing jurisdictions with favorable juries, vowing to continue fighting.
E. Jean Carroll, upon leaving the Manhattan federal courthouse, did not provide a comment but later released a statement through a publicist. She framed the verdict as a victory for women standing up against bullies, emphasizing the defeat of those attempting to silence women.
The trial occurs as Trump seeks the Republican presidential nomination for the third consecutive time. He has consistently portrayed legal challenges as evidence of a weaponized political system. Despite facing numerous legal issues, Trump’s narrative resonates with some loyal supporters who view the proceedings with skepticism.
While Trump reported having about $294 million in cash or cash equivalents, he still faces 91 criminal charges in four indictments. These charges include attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election and mishandling classified documents. Additionally, Trump is awaiting a verdict in a New York civil fraud trial seeking the return of $370 million.
The jury’s decision in the E. Jean Carroll defamation case adds another layer to the legal challenges faced by Donald Trump. As he continues to navigate various trials, the financial and political implications of these verdicts may shape the trajectory of his post-presidential career.
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