Trump Dodges Rape Conviction but Slapped with $5m Defamation Fine
A New York jury has dealt Donald Trump a legal blow, awarding E. Jean Carroll $5 million in damages over battery and defamation claims. The nine-person jury cleared Trump of rape but made a clear statement in under three hours.
Carroll’s Shocking Allegations and Trump’s No-Show Defence
Carroll, 79, accused Trump of raping her in a Manhattan department store changing room decades ago. She also claimed Trump defamed her by labelling her a liar and accusing her of cashing in. Trump, who skipped the entire trial, has flatly denied knowing Carroll or ever assaulting her.
During proceedings, Trump accidentally mixed Carroll up with his ex-wife Marla Maples in a depositon — a blunder Carroll’s team said destroyed his “not my type” defence. Trump’s lawyers fired back, slamming Carroll for “abusing the system” for cash and political clout.
Trump Called “Witness Against Himself” as Carroll’s Legal Team Scores Win
Carroll’s lawyer blasted Trump for refusing to show up in court, calling him a “witness against himself.” The former president waived his right to testify or present a defence, leaving the jury with only the evidence against him.
Carroll first went public with her rape claim in a 2019 memoir. The defamation suit stems from Trump’s October 2022 Truth Social post branding her allegation a “complete con job.”
Verdict a Victory for #MeToo as Trump Faces Legal Storm
The verdict is a major set-back for Trump amid a string of ongoing legal battles. Though the $5 million award is less than Carroll sought, the ruling could embolden others accusing Trump of sexual misconduct.
This case highlights the enduring power of the #MeToo movement in taking powerful men to task for their actions.
