Staff Reports
In a shocking turn of events, a jury in Manhattan has ruled that former President Donald Trump must pay a whopping $83.3 million to E. Jean Carroll in a defamation damages suit. The suit stems from Carroll’s accusation in 2019 that Trump had raped her in a department store dressing room many years ago. Despite Trump’s consistent denials of these allegations, the jury has spoken, and it’s not looking good for the former president.
BREAKING: Verdict reached in Trump case. https://t.co/sbRGDNailJ
— Jenna Ellis (@JennaEllisEsq) January 26, 2024
The jury, made up of nine members, awarded $65 million in punitive damages, citing Trump’s malicious and continued denigration of Carroll, both during and after his presidency. The verdict comes after Carroll’s legal team highlighted Trump’s sustained disparaging remarks about her. It’s clear that the jury did not take kindly to Trump’s attempts to discredit Carroll.
During the final arguments, Trump made a dramatic exit from the courtroom, further fueling the intense drama surrounding the case. His sudden departure came before the jury delivered their decision, leaving many to speculate about his state of mind. It seems Trump’s flair for the dramatic is alive and well, even in the courtroom.
Carroll initially filed the lawsuit back in June of 2023, seeking upwards of $12 million in damages for alleged defamatory actions and statements made by Trump. The trial, which began on January 16, concluded with Trump being the last witness to testify in the case. His testimony lasted for less than five minutes, showing just how much he valued the proceedings.
The outcome of the trial is a severe blow to Trump, adding to the legal troubles that have been piling up against him. Back in May, he was found liable of battery in a civil suit brought by Carroll, further tarnishing his reputation. While he was not found liable for rape, the defamation damages ruling still stands as a significant and costly loss for the former president.
It seems that Trump’s divisive and controversial actions have once again landed him in hot water, and it’s clear that his legal battles are far from over. This latest verdict serves as a stark reminder that even powerful figures are not immune to the consequences of their words and actions. And for Trump, the price of defamation is a hefty $83.3 million.
