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Federal Appeals Court Upholds $5 Million Verdict Against Trump in E. Jean Carroll Case

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A federal appeals court has upheld a $5 million verdict against President-elect Donald Trump, affirming his liability for sexually abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan rejected Trump's appeal, which contended that the trial court had erred by allowing certain evidence, including the "Access Hollywood" tape and testimonies from other women alleging sexual misconduct.

The original verdict, delivered in May 2023, found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll in a Manhattan department store in the mid-1990s and for defaming her in statements made in 2022. The jury awarded Carroll $2.02 million for the sexual abuse claim and $2.98 million for defamation. Trump's legal team argued that the inclusion of prior bad acts and the "Access Hollywood" tape was prejudicial; however, the appeals court determined that this evidence was appropriately admitted, as it demonstrated a pattern of behavior relevant to Carroll's allegations.

E. Jean Carroll, a former Elle magazine columnist, publicly accused Trump of assaulting her in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room in the mid-1990s. Trump denied the allegations, stating he had never met Carroll and accusing her of fabricating the story for publicity. These denials led Carroll to file a defamation lawsuit against him. In addition to the $5 million verdict, a separate jury in January 2024 awarded Carroll $83.3 million in damages for further defamatory statements made by Trump during his presidency.

The appeals court's decision is a significant legal setback for Trump as he prepares to assume the presidency. Despite the verdicts, Trump continues to deny any wrongdoing. His spokesperson dismissed the rulings as politically motivated, stating, "This entire case is a political hoax and a witch hunt aimed at undermining President-elect Trump's credibility."

Carroll and her legal team have expressed satisfaction with the court's decision. In a statement, Carroll said, "I am grateful that the courts have upheld the jury's verdict, affirming that no one is above the law, not even a former and future president." Her attorney added, "This ruling reinforces the importance of holding powerful individuals accountable for their actions."

The legal battles between Carroll and Trump have been ongoing since 2019, when Carroll first publicly accused Trump of assault. The case has drawn significant public attention, highlighting issues of sexual misconduct and the accountability of public figures. The appeals court's decision may have broader implications for how similar cases are handled in the future, particularly concerning the admissibility of evidence demonstrating patterns of behavior.

As Trump prepares to take office, these legal challenges add to a complex landscape of ongoing investigations and lawsuits. The upholding of the verdict in Carroll's case serves as a reminder of the legal scrutiny that continues to surround the president-elect. It remains to be seen how these developments will impact his administration and public perception.

In the meantime, Carroll's case stands as a testament to the persistence of individuals seeking justice against powerful figures. Her willingness to come forward and pursue legal action has contributed to a broader conversation about sexual assault and defamation, encouraging others to speak out and seek accountability.

The appeals court's decision marks a pivotal moment in this ongoing narrative, reinforcing the principle that the legal system can serve as a means of redress for those who have been wronged, regardless of the status of the accused. As the situation continues to evolve, it underscores the enduring importance of the rule of law in addressing allegations of misconduct at the highest levels.


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