Former President Donald Trump’s request for a new trial in E. Jean Carroll’s defamation lawsuit has been denied by a federal judge. Judge Lewis Kaplan ruled that the damages awarded, totaling over $83 million, were not excessive given the circumstances of the case.
The lawsuit stems from Carroll’s allegations that Trump sexually assaulted her in a department store in the 1990s. Trump denied the allegations and made disparaging comments about Carroll, prompting her to file a defamation lawsuit. In his ruling, Judge Kaplan stated that Trump’s remarks endangered Carroll’s health and safety and significantly harmed her reputation and career.
The judge emphasized the seriousness of Trump’s actions, noting that his continued attacks on Carroll’s credibility had a detrimental impact on her career as a columnist and author. Judge Kaplan’s decision affirms the jury’s verdict and upholds the damages awarded to Carroll.
This ruling marks a significant legal development in the ongoing legal battles involving Trump and accusations of misconduct, highlighting the complexities of defamation cases involving public figures.