Former President Donald Trump faces another legal setback as his battle against E. Jean Carroll's sexual assault allegations continues to unfold in Manhattan's courts.
According to the New York Post, a federal appeals court in Manhattan has rejected Trump's attempt to overturn the $5 million jury verdict that found him liable for sexually abusing Carroll in 1996 and defaming her in a 2022 social media post.
The three-judge panel of the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals stood firm on their decision, dismissing Trump's claims that Manhattan federal Judge Lewis Kaplan made discretionary errors during the trial. The panel specifically addressed Trump's objection to the inclusion of the 2005 "Access Hollywood" tape as evidence, where he made controversial remarks about his behavior toward women.
The appeals court's ruling emphasized that all evidentiary decisions made during the trial were appropriate and within proper judicial discretion. They determined that the jury had access to a properly developed record when making their assessment of the facts and claims presented during the proceedings.
Trump's legal team had argued for a new trial based on alleged errors by Judge Kaplan, but these arguments failed to convince the appellate judges. The court's decision reinforces the original verdict from May 2023, which found Trump liable for both the sexual assault at Bergdorf Goodman and subsequent defamatory statements.
The former president is simultaneously dealing with another legal challenge related to Carroll, as he appeals an additional $83.3 million verdict from January 2024. This separate case centered on damage to Carroll's reputation after she went public with her allegations in June 2019.
Trump's political adviser, Steven Cheung, responded to the ruling with a statement asserting their intention to continue fighting the verdict. He said:
The American People have re-elected President Trump with an overwhelming mandate, and they demand an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and a swift dismissal of all of the Witch Hunts, including the Democrat-funded Carroll Hoax, which will continue to be appealed
Meanwhile, Carroll's legal representation, led by attorney Roberta Kaplan, expressed satisfaction with the outcome. The attorney noted: "We thank the Second Circuit for its careful consideration of the parties' arguments."
The upheld verdict represents just one of several legal battles Trump faces as he maintains his political presence. The case has garnered significant attention not only for its serious allegations but also for its potential impact on Trump's public image.
These legal proceedings have become increasingly complex, with the original $5 million verdict now accompanied by the separate $83.3 million defamation judgment. The cases stem from different time periods but are interconnected through Carroll's allegations and Trump's responses to them.
The timing of these legal developments coincides with Trump's continued political activities, adding another layer of significance to the court's decisions and their potential implications for his future endeavors.
The federal appeals court in Manhattan has maintained the $5 million verdict against Donald Trump in E. Jean Carroll's sexual assault and defamation lawsuit. The decision upholds both the finding that Trump sexually abused Carroll in 1996 and that he defamed her through his October 2022 Truth Social post.
The case continues to evolve as Trump faces additional legal challenges, including the appeal of the $83.3 million defamation verdict from January 2024. These developments mark significant moments in the ongoing legal proceedings between Trump and Carroll, with both sides maintaining their respective positions as the appeals process moves forward.
