New York, NY - The Second Circuit Court of Appeals has decisively rejected former President Donald Trump's appeal, affirming a jury's $5 million verdict in favor of writer E. Jean Carroll. The decision solidifies Trump's liability for sexual abuse and defamation stemming from allegations made by Carroll about an incident in the 1990s.
The appeal, which sought to overturn the Manhattan jury's findings, was dismissed, thereby upholding the original court's decision. This ruling marks another significant legal setback for Trump, who has faced numerous legal challenges since leaving office.
Carroll accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room, claims that Trump vehemently denied, leading to a defamation counter-suit after Trump publicly refuted her allegations. The civil case resulted in a jury finding Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, awarding Carroll the $5 million in damages.
This latest judicial decision reinforces the accountability of public figures for their actions and statements, particularly when they concern allegations of misconduct. Trump's legal team has not yet announced whether they will seek further appeal, but this ruling stands as a firm endorsement of the original trial's outcome.
