A defamation lawsuit emerges in the aftermath of controversial statements made during a presidential debate.
According to ABC News, the members of the "Central Park Five" filed a defamation lawsuit against former President Donald Trump on Monday in federal court, challenging his statements during the September 10 ABC News presidential debate.
The lawsuit, filed in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, seeks monetary compensation for what the plaintiffs describe as "false, misleading and defamatory" statements that have resulted in severe emotional distress and damage to their reputations.
The legal action stems from Trump's response to Vice President Kamala Harris during the debate, where he addressed the 1989 case that wrongfully convicted five teenagers. The case involved the assault of a female jogger in Central Park, for which the men were later exonerated.
Trump's campaign responded to the lawsuit through a spokesperson, dismissing it as "another frivolous, Election Interference lawsuit, filed by desperate left-wing activists."
During the debate, Trump made several contested claims about the case. The lawsuit specifically challenges his statements about guilty pleas and the outcome of the assault.
The five men - Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, Kevin Richardson, Antron Brown, and Korey Wise - were teenagers when they were accused and convicted of the assault. They maintained their innocence throughout the ordeal.
A decade after the incident, another individual confessed to the crime, with DNA evidence confirming his guilt. The group's convictions were vacated in 2002, leading to Wise's early release from prison.
In 2003, the five men sued New York City, resulting in a $41 million settlement after a decade of legal proceedings. The city did not acknowledge any misconduct by its police department or prosecutors.
One of the plaintiffs, Yusef Salaam, who now serves on the New York City Council, attempted to confront Trump after the debate. According to the lawsuit, Salaam repeatedly tried to engage Trump in dialogue.
Trump's statement at the debate prompted an immediate response from Salaam, who was present in the spin room. When Trump suggested Salaam was "on his side," Salaam explicitly denied any alignment.
The lawsuit details Trump's statements, pointing out multiple inaccuracies, including false claims about guilty pleas and the mayor's position at the time of the incident.
The lawsuit underscores the lasting impact of the 1989 case and its relevance to current political discussions, particularly focusing on statements made during a presidential campaign event. As Trump's legal team has yet to respond, this case adds to his ongoing legal challenges. Salaam's position as an elected official representing parts of Manhattan highlights the journey of the exonerated men from wrongful conviction to public service.
