A federal jury in Manhattan has found Donald Trump responsible for sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll in a luxury department store’s dressing room in 1996, awarding her $5 million in damages for both battery and defamation. According to Carroll, Trump raped her in the Bergdorf Goodman store, defaming her by denying the allegations and insinuating that she fabricated the story to sell her book.
Trump has denied all accusations. Although the verdict does not carry any jail time, it is significant because it confirms Trump’s responsibility for the abuse. The jury deemed the evidence sufficient to hold him accountable for the battery. However, the jury did not find that Carroll proved Trump had raped her. Last November, Carroll filed a lawsuit under the “New York State Adult Survivors Act,” which allows sexual assault victims to file lawsuits even if the statute of limitations has expired.
Trump did not appear at the trial, as he was not legally required to do so, and he also had the right not to testify in his own defense. Carroll called the verdict a triumph for herself and other abuse victims, stating, “Today, the world finally knows the truth.” Carroll also expressed that this victory is hers and for every woman who has ever suffered because their abuse allegations were not believed. She sued to clear her name and regain control of her life.
Trump Plans to Appeal Verdict in Carroll’s Lawsuit for Sexual Abuse and Defamation
Following the announcement of the verdict in E. Jean Carroll’s lawsuit against former President Donald Trump, her lead attorney, Roberta Kaplan, released a statement declaring that no one, not even a former President, is above the law. Meanwhile, Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social to denounce the verdict and announce his intention to appeal.
He called the ruling a disgrace and a “political witch hunt” while reiterating that he did not know who Carroll was. Trump’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, stated that the former president is prepared to proceed with the appeal, asserting that he cannot receive a fair trial in New York City based on the current jury pool.
Mixed Verdict in Carroll’s Lawsuit Against Trump as GOP Field Takes Shape
Following the verdict in E. Jean Carroll’s lawsuit against former President Donald Trump, his attorney, Joe Tacopina, expressed confusion over the outcome, emphasizing that the jury had not found the former president liable for rape. Despite this, Carroll’s victory in the lawsuit could have implications for Trump’s political career as he eyes another run for the presidency in 2024.
Tacopina insisted that releasing the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape in 2016 should not have been allowed as evidence and expressed confidence in his client’s appeal. However, as Trump faces mounting legal challenges in multiple jurisdictions, his ability to maintain his support base within the GOP may be tested in the coming months. So far, potential Republican rivals like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have avoided commenting on Trump’s legal troubles, including Carroll’s allegations of sexual abuse and a Manhattan probe into hush-money payments.
Jurors in Trump Sexual Assault Case Urged not to Reveal Identity
Following the verdict of the defamation case against former President Donald Trump by writer E. Jean Carroll, Judge Lewis Kaplan dismissed the jury and advised them that they could choose to identify themselves publicly but suggested they remain silent. The judge cautioned them, saying, “My advice is not to identify yourselves. Neither at present nor in the future. If you elect to speak to others and identify yourselves, I direct you not to identify anyone else who sat on this jury.”
After the jury in the sexual assault case against former President Trump delivered their verdict, Judge Lewis Kaplan advised them not to identify themselves or others publicly. Although they are now free to do so, he recommended they remain silent for some time. The judge emphasized that if they choose to speak about the case, they should not reveal the identities of their fellow jurors.
As the verdict was read, plaintiff E. Jean Carroll held onto the hand of Crowley and appeared relieved, exchanging smiles with him as the clerk read through each of the counts in her favor. Following the jury’s dismissal, Trump’s attorney Joe Tacopina shook hands with Carroll and her legal team. Carroll and her lead attorney Kaplan embraced before exiting the courtroom.

Source: Web
Jean Carroll Testifies in Court Against Trump
Last week, during her testimony in court, E. Jean Carroll recounted in harrowing detail the events that took place in 1996. “I am here because the former president raped me, and when I announced it, he denied my claims,” Carroll stated. “He lied and destroyed my reputation, and I am here to try to get my life back,” Carroll admitted that she is a registered Democrat and holds strong negative opinions about Trump but insisted that her political views are irrelevant to her pursuit of justice in this case.
“I am not seeking revenge for political reasons,” Carroll declared. “I am seeking justice for personal reasons because he repeatedly called me a liar, which has ruined my reputation. As a journalist, the most important thing I have is the trust of my readers.” During the trial, Carroll’s attorney Michael Ferrara questioned why she didn’t speak out about her accusations when Trump first ran for president. In response, Carroll revealed that she had noticed an unsettling pattern where the more women who came forward to accuse Trump, the higher his approval ratings climbed.
During cross-examination, Trump’s defense lawyer, Tacopina, repeatedly asked Jean Carroll why she did not scream during the alleged attack, which lasted approximately three minutes. Carroll responded that she was too panicked to scream and that not all women scream during such incidents.
She added that women who don’t come forward with their experiences are often questioned about why they didn’t scream, which is why some women remain silent. In his closing argument, Tacopina acknowledged that Trump is a divisive figure but emphasized that jurors should focus solely on the evidence presented in court when reaching a verdict.