Jury Finds Trump Liable for Sexual Abuse and Defamation
Former columnist E. Jean Carroll accused Donald Trump of sexually assaulting her. She said it happened in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room in the mid-1990s. Trump denied the allegations and called them a “con job.” He posted this on his TruthSocial platform in October 2022. Trump Reacts to E. Jean Carroll Verdict.
On Tuesday, May 9, 2023, a jury in Manhattan reached a verdict. They found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll. They awarded her $5 million in damages.
Trump Claims He Has No Idea Who Carroll Is
Trump posted a two-sentence response on his TruthSocial account. First, he wrote: “I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA WHO THIS WOMAN IS. THIS VERDICT IS A DISGRACE – A CONTINUATION OF THE GREATEST WITCH HUNT OF ALL TIME!”
Trump refused to testify at the trial. He claimed he was “not allowed to speak or defend” himself. He said this despite being a current political candidate. He also said that he would appeal the “unconstitutional silencing” of him. He said this no matter the outcome.
Carroll Thanks Jury, for Standing Up for All Women
Carroll was able to sue under New York’s Adult Survivors Act. This law allows sexual abuse survivors a one-time chance to file civil suits. After that, it does not matter if the statutes of limitations have expired. Carroll said she was “overjoyed” by the verdict. She thanked the jury for “standing up for all women.”