The writer E. Jean Carroll, who publicly accused Donald Trump of sexual assault decades ago, concluded a day-and-a-half of testimony in her defamation case on Thursday. Dressed in a black blouse and a patterned skirt, Carroll appeared resolute facing cross-examination from Trump’s attorney, Alina Habba.
Carroll’s testimony centered around the fallout from Trump’s statements calling her claims “a lie and a hoax,” which she argues severely damaged her reputation and even led to threats to her safety. She described the emotional toll of being labelled a liar and facing online harassment, stating, “My status was lowered… I am partaking in this trial to bring my old reputation and status back.”
It’s important to note that Trump has already been found guilty of defamation by a jury in a previous trial related to this case. The current proceedings are solely to determine the amount of damages Carroll should receive, with her lawyers seeking $10 million in compensation.
Trump, who maintains his innocence in the sexual assault accusation, did not attend Thursday’s hearing due to his mother-in-law’s funeral in Florida. His absence continues to fuel the ongoing legal dispute, with Carroll’s team questioning the sincerity of his defense and criticizing his decision to skip the court proceedings.
With Carroll’s testimony concluded, the defamation case now enters its closing stages. Jurors will deliberate on the evidence and testimony presented throughout the trial to determine the appropriate amount of damages to award Carroll. The verdict is expected in the coming days, but the broader debate surrounding the accusations and Trump’s actions is likely to continue long after the legal proceedings conclude.
