The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday upheld a $5 million award granted to columnist E. Jean Carroll, who accused Donald Trump of sexually abusing her in the mid-1990s. The decision affirms a Manhattan jury’s 2023 verdict in the high-profile civil case.
Court Decision on Sexual Abuse and Defamation
The three-judge panel ruled that Trump failed to demonstrate errors in the trial court’s proceedings. The jury found that Trump sexually abused Carroll in a department store dressing room in spring 1996 and defamed her with subsequent comments.
“We conclude that Mr. Trump has not demonstrated that the district court erred in any of the challenged rulings,” the court wrote.
Background of the Case
Carroll, now 81, testified during the 2023 trial that a friendly encounter with Trump at the upscale store turned violent. Trump, who was 78 at the time of the appeal, denied the allegations and did not attend the initial trial.
The first jury awarded Carroll $5 million in damages for defamation and sexual abuse. A second jury, in January 2024, awarded her an additional $83.3 million for defamatory remarks Trump made while president.
Testimony and Key Evidence
During the trial, the judge permitted two other women to testify about similar allegations against Trump, dating back to the 1970s and 2005. The jury also viewed the infamous 2005 Access Hollywood tape, in which Trump bragged about inappropriate behavior toward women.
The appeals court deemed the testimony and tape admissible, noting they demonstrated a pattern of behavior.
Trump’s Response and Legal Challenges
Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump, criticized the verdict as politically motivated, calling it part of a “Democrat-funded Carroll Hoax.” Trump’s legal team plans to continue appealing the case.
During oral arguments in September, Trump’s lawyers argued that the testimony from Carroll’s friends and other women alleging abuse was biased and should not have been allowed.
Carroll’s Reaction
Roberta Kaplan, Carroll’s lawyer, expressed gratitude for the court’s decision, stating: “Both E. Jean Carroll and I are gratified by today’s decision. We thank the Second Circuit for its careful consideration of the parties’ arguments.”
Carroll testified that Trump’s public comments had upended her life, leading to threats and fear for her safety.
Impact of the Ruling
The court’s decision underscores the weight of the jury’s findings and reinforces Carroll’s claims. Trump faces further legal challenges as he appeals the $83.3 million verdict from the second trial.
The ruling is a significant development in the ongoing legal battles surrounding Trump, marking another chapter in a case that has captured national attention.
