NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump’s legal team has posted a $92 million bond in support of a jury award to E. Jean Carroll in her defamation lawsuit. Carroll, a well-known advice columnist, accused Trump of sexual assault in the 1990s, and Trump denied the allegations. The bond was required by a judge in order for Trump to appeal the ruling.
Carroll filed the defamation suit against Trump in 2019, alleging that he had damaged her reputation by calling her a liar and claiming she had fabricated the assault. In November 2021, a jury ruled in favor of Carroll and awarded her $1.92 million in damages. However, Trump’s legal team immediately appealed the decision.
As part of the appeal process, the court required Trump to post a bond equivalent to 110% of the judgment amount, totaling $92 million. The bond ensures that if Trump’s appeal is unsuccessful, Carroll will be able to collect the full amount of the jury award. Trump’s attorney described the bond as “onerous” but said they were confident in their chances of winning the appeal.
Carroll’s attorney welcomed the posting of the bond, expressing hope that it would expedite the appeals process. He stated, “We look forward to holding Donald Trump accountable for his defamatory statements, and we remain confident in the strength of our case.”
The defamation suit has been closely watched as it raises important legal questions about the extent of the protections afforded to public figures when it comes to making disparaging statements. Critics argue that allowing Trump’s alleged defamatory statements to go unchecked would set a dangerous precedent and have a chilling effect on victims of sexual assault coming forward. On the other hand, some legal experts contend that holding public figures accountable for their statements could impede free speech.
The outcome of the appeal will likely have significant implications for future defamation cases involving public figures. Legal observers anticipate that this high-profile case could shape the legal landscape and set new precedents in determining the responsibilities of individuals in positions of power.
In the meantime, both parties prepare for the next stage of the legal battle. The appeal will be heard by a higher court, where Trump’s legal team will argue that Carroll’s allegations are baseless and that his statements were protected by the First Amendment. Carroll and her legal team, on the other hand, are determined to secure the jury’s decision and hold Trump accountable for his alleged actions.
As the appeal unfolds, the legal community awaits a resolution that could have far-reaching consequences for victims of sexual assault and the scope of responsibility for public figures in the realm of defamation law. Time will tell whether Carroll’s victory in the initial trial will stand or be overturned on appeal, and how it may shape future legal battles in this complex and contentious area.