Former President Donald J. Trump has been ordered by a Manhattan federal court jury to pay a total of $83.3 million in damages to E. Jean Carroll for defamatory comments he made about the writer, who accused him of rape in the dressing room of Bergdorf Goodman.
Trump, who denied the allegations, utilized more than 40 social media posts on Truth Social, at CNN Town Hall and even during his campaign trail, damaging her reputation and prompting an onslaught of death threats from his supporters.
In response to Friday’s verdict, Trump issued a statement denying Carroll’s story and blaming the “Biden Directed Witch Hunt” for the court decision.
“Absolutely ridiculous! I fully disagree with both verdicts, and will be appealing this whole Biden Directed Witch Hunt focused on me and the Republican Party,” Trump said in a statement to the press. “Our Legal System is out of control, and being used as a Political Weapon. They have taken away all First Amendment Rights. THIS IS NOT AMERICA!. ”
In an initial case against Trump last May, the Manhattan federal court jury found him guilty of sexual assault, awarding Carroll a total of $5 million in damages. The decision paved the way for Carroll’s victory in the second defamation case.
During the trial, Judge Lewis A. Kaplan threatened to remove Trump from the courtroom after Trump made audible disagreements and was disruptive, making comments such as “con job” and “witch hunt,” during Carroll’s testimony.
“I hope I don’t have to consider excluding you from the trial,” Judge Kaplan said. “I understand you’re probably very eager for me to do that.”
Causing Trump to reply, “I would love it.”
Prior to Friday’s ruling, Trump continued to deny the allegations, and he even walked out during Carroll’s lawyer Roberta Kaplan closing arguments. Kaplan pleaded to the jury to award Carroll with a compensation of $24 million from the emotional damage she experienced during this tumultuous time. As well as, condemning his actions during the trial.
“[Trump] spent the entire trial continuing to engage in defamation,” said Kaplan, Carroll’s lawyer.
After the verdict was announced Carroll left the courtroom smiling in victory.
“This is a great victory for every woman who stands up when she’s been knocked down, and a huge defeat for every bully who has tried to keep a woman down.”
