New York, N.Y. — A federal appeals court has upheld a significant defamation ruling against former President Donald Trump, affirming that he must pay a staggering $83 million to writer E. Jean Carroll. The decision solidifies a jury’s earlier finding that Trump’s comments about Carroll were not only defamatory but also carried a high degree of reprehensibility.
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals stated that Trump did not present sufficient grounds to reconsider prior rulings on presidential immunity. The panel determined that both the district court’s decisions and the jury’s damages verdict were justified. The judges noted that the severity of Trump’s actions was “remarkably high, perhaps unprecedented,” particularly highlighting the punitive damages imposed.
Carroll’s legal team argued for the verdict to stand, emphasizing that legal accountability applies to everyone, including the former president. Trump’s attorneys had contended that the ruling undermined the presidency and represented a significant miscarriage of justice.
In a January verdict, a New York jury awarded Carroll $83.3 million after she accused Trump of consistently defaming her following her public allegation that he sexually assaulted her in the 1990s. Trump first dismissed her claims in 2019, labeling them a “hoax” and suggesting that Carroll fabricated the story to boost her book’s sales.
Carroll initially sued Trump for the disparaging remarks he made while in office, leading to the first verdict. While that case awaited appeal, she filed a second lawsuit concerning Trump’s defamation after leaving the presidency. This action was permissible due to a new New York law allowing adult victims of sexual offenses to file civil suits even if the statute of limitations had expired.
That second trial determined Trump’s liability for sexual abuse and resulted in a $5 million damages award for Carroll in May 2023. The appeals court’s recent ruling reinforces both verdicts, noting that the punitive damages were appropriate given the malicious nature of Trump’s actions.
Trump’s representatives argued that his initial denials were part of his official duties, asserting that his comments fell within the scope of presidential responsibilities. Carroll’s legal team countered that the defamation stemmed from personal conduct unrelated to his role as president.
The appeals ruling upheld the significant punitive damages awarded to Carroll, which included $11 million for reputational harm and $7.3 million for emotional distress. Carroll’s attorney stated that the jury’s decision highlights that powerful individuals can be held accountable for their actions under the law.
The court reiterated that the severity of Trump’s behavior, which included continued defamatory statements, warranted the substantial punitive award. Trump’s attorneys have indicated intentions to appeal the verdict to the Supreme Court.
Throughout this ongoing legal battle, Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to Carroll’s accusations.
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