Federal judge rejects Trump’s latest bid to drop $83.3M E. Jean Carroll defamation ruling
A federal judge rejected former President Trump’s latest attempt for a new trial, upholding the verdict and $83.3 million award in his defamation case against writer E. Jean Carroll.
In a written opinion, U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan said Trump’s arguments are “without merit.”
“Mr. Trump’s malicious and unceasing attacks on Ms. Carroll were disseminated to more than 100 million people. They included public threats and personal attacks, and they endangered Ms. Carroll’s health and safety,” Kaplan wrote.
A jury in January ordered him to pay $83.3 million to Carroll after Kaplan found he was liable for defamation. Last month, Trump demanded that he receive a new trial.
Carroll came forward with accusations that the former president sexually assaulted her in the 1990s, prompting the statements from Trump.
In his opinion, Kaplan said the jury was entitled to find the degree of reprehensibility of Trump’s actions on social media were high. He also said Trump’s actions during trial, including when he walked out of her closing arguments, warrant the idea that he would not stop defaming her unless there was a “significant deterrent,” like a fine.
“Far from being purely ‘defensive,’ there was evidence that Mr. Trump used the office of the presidency — the loudest ‘bully pulpit’ in America and possibly the world — to issue multiple statements castigating Ms. Carroll as a politically and financially motivated liar, insinuating that she was too unattractive for him to have sexually assaulted, and threatening that she would ‘pay dearly’ for speaking out,” the judge wrote.
In a statement, Roberta Kaplan, Carroll’s attorney, said she is pleased with the judge's decision but not surprised.
“As the Court explained, it was entirely reasonable for the jury to award E. Jean Carroll $83 million in damages given Donald Trump’s continued defamation of Ms. Carroll during the trial itself, as well as his conduct in the courtroom where his ‘hatred and disdain [were] on full display,’” she said.
The Hill has reached out to Trump’s team for comment.
Date: |
Filter
-
Hope Hicks: Trump was worried about WSJ article’s effect on Melania
Donald Trump’s former communications director testifies that he worried about Wall Street Journal article about purchase of Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal stories. Trump trial continues with judge dismissing claims that ex-president can’t ...The Guardian - World - Donald Trump -
Panama to elect new president against backdrop of social unrest and drought
Country to vote on Sunday after supreme court allows leading presidential contender to remain in the race. Panama’s supreme court has rejected a move to disqualify the candidacy of the leading presidential contender, José Raúl Mulino, two days ...The Guardian - World -
Tories Drop Bid to Oust Sunak After He Avoids Election Wipeout
Yahoo News - World
More from The Hill
-
Biden races clock on health regs with eye on potential Trump return
President Biden’s administration is working overtime to ensure his health care priorities are protected from a potential second Trump White House. In recent weeks, regulatory agencies have been racing against the clock to finalize some of their ...The Hill - Politics - Joe Biden -
RNC lawyer Charlie Spies resigns just 2 months after taking the job
Republican National Committee (RNC) head counsel Charlie Spies is leaving the role after just two months on the job, the RNC confirmed Sunday. Spies was “pushed out,” NBC News reported, citing a source familiar with the situation. "Charlie ...The Hill - Politics -
Trump spotted at Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix
Former President Trump attended the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix on Sunday, spotted at Hard Rock Stadium. Photos from the event showed the GOP presidential candidate walking around the paddock, visiting the McLaren team garage and waving at ...The Hill - Politics - Donald Trump -
NYC Mayor Eric Adams defends police response to campus protests
New York City Mayor Eric Adams in an interview Sunday defended the actions taken by the New York Police Department (NYPD) in response to campus protests. “We want to ensure we protect democracy and the right to protest,” Adams said in an interview ...The Hill - Politics -
Here's how much the average American has in their retirement savings by age
While many Americans want to retire comfortably, it's a goal that may seem out of reach for some struggling to save due to the rising costs of housing and everyday expenses.The Hill - Politics