New York City – Lawyers representing E. Jean Carroll called on Judge Lewis A. Kaplan to reject former President Donald Trump’s request to avoid posting security for an $83.3 million defamation award. The attorneys argued that Trump’s assurance to pay the judgment, which they believe will be overturned on appeal, holds no weight. In a submission to the judge, Carroll’s legal team stated that Trump’s reasoning for seeking relief amounted to nothing more than empty promises.
Carroll, a writer, won the significant defamation award against Trump in a trial that concluded last month. Trump’s lawyers argue that the judgment should be delayed until after the appeal process is completed, claiming that the case was politically motivated. However, Carroll’s legal team asserts that Trump’s request for extraordinary relief lacks merit.
The lawyers also criticized Trump’s request as being based on a lack of trust. They argued that Trump’s promises to pay are equivalent to scribbles on a paper napkin. They also highlighted the hefty judgment amount as evidence that Trump should not be allowed to avoid posting security.
Carroll accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in a dressing room at a New York City luxury department store in the 1990s. In response, Trump denied the allegations and called Carroll a liar. Carroll filed a defamation lawsuit against Trump in 2019, claiming that his public statements harmed her reputation.
The judge has yet to make a ruling on Trump’s request to avoid posting security for the defamation award. Trump’s legal team has also requested that the judgment be put on hold while they appeal the decision.
Carroll’s lawyers argue that Trump’s request for relief should be denied, and that he should be required to post security for the award. They believe that Trump should be held accountable for his statements and the harm they caused to Carroll’s reputation.
The outcome of the case will have implications for future defamation lawsuits against public figures, as it could set a precedent for whether they can avoid posting security for large monetary judgments.