WASHINGTON — Lawyers representing writer E. Jean Carroll are urging a judge to reject a request from former President Donald Trump to postpone a $83.3 million jury award in a defamation case. The request comes after a judge ruled against Trump’s attempt to dismiss the lawsuit last month.
Carroll accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in a department store dressing room in the 1990s. Trump denied the claims and said Carroll was lying to sell a new book. Carroll sued Trump for defamation after he called her a liar and said he had never met her, leading to a jury award in her favor.
In their filing, Carroll’s lawyers argued that delaying the payment would be unjust and that Trump had failed to show any evidence to support his claims that the award would cause him financial hardship. They also emphasized the importance of holding Trump accountable for his actions and ensuring that justice is served.
The lawyers cited the extensive evidence presented during the trial, including testimony from Carroll and two other women who alleged similar assaults by Trump. They argued that Trump’s attempts to delay the payment were merely a tactic to avoid the consequences of his defamatory statements.
Carroll’s legal team also highlighted that Trump, as a former president, should not be given special treatment and should be held accountable like any other individual. They stressed the importance of upholding the integrity of the judicial process and ensuring that Trump does not evade the consequences of his actions.
A decision on the request to postpone the jury award is expected to be made by the judge in the coming weeks. Regardless of the outcome, the case has already had a significant impact on discussions surrounding accountability for sexual assault allegations against high-profile individuals. This lawsuit serves as an important example of the legal steps that can be taken to address defamation and seek justice.