Donald Trump faced a significant legal defeat as a federal appeals court upheld a New York jury’s decision finding him liable in the E. Jean Carroll sex abuse and defamation case.
Carroll Case Verdict Upheld
In May, a civil jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room in 1996 and defaming her when he publicly called her a liar. The jury awarded Carroll $5 million in damages.
On Monday, the appeals court rejected Trump’s claims that the trial court had erred, stating that the evidence, including Trump’s comments on the infamous Access Hollywood tape, established a “repeated, idiosyncratic pattern of conduct” consistent with Carroll’s allegations.
The court concluded that “no claimed error” in the trial affected Trump’s substantial rights, dealing a blow to his efforts to overturn the verdict.
Trump’s Legal Team Pushes Back
Trump’s attorneys argued that the trial was unfair, citing the inclusion of the Access Hollywood tape and testimony from two women who accused him of past misconduct. However, the appeals court found these elements admissible and relevant to the case.
Trump has consistently denied Carroll’s allegations, claiming he never met her and dismissing the case as a “witch hunt.”
Separate $83.3 Million Defamation Judgment
In a separate civil case, Trump was ordered to pay Carroll $83.3 million for defamation after he denied the sexual abuse allegations in statements made while campaigning for re-election. His legal team is also appealing this verdict.
Legal Challenges Ahead
This ruling adds to Trump’s mounting legal battles, including a conviction for falsifying business records related to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels. With multiple civil and criminal cases looming, Trump’s legal woes may persist well into his next presidential term.
A Trump spokesperson called the Carroll case a “hoax” and part of the “political weaponization” of the justice system, vowing to continue appeals.
Courtroom Drama in Manhattan
In September, Trump appeared at the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan to hear oral arguments on his appeal. Security was tight, with protesters outside the courthouse holding signs that read “guilty” and “rapist.” Inside, Carroll’s attorney defended the trial’s evidentiary decisions, asserting that Trump’s actions demonstrated a consistent pattern of behavior.
The legal saga continues to unfold, keeping Trump entangled in courtroom battles even as he prepares to take the presidential oath of office once more.
