(LibertySociety.com) – In an unsurprising move, Judge Lewis Kaplan rejected a request by former President Trump that would have allowed him a new trial to prove that he did not defame E. Jean Carroll.
In the filing, Trump’s attorneys pointed out that he was only allowed limited testimony in the first trial. Additionally, his attorneys argued that his responses to Carroll’s claim that he raped her in the 90s were to “defend his reputation, protect his family, and defend his Presidency.” In another blow, the federal judge also rejected his appeal of the massive $83.3 million fine awarded to Carroll during the trial.
He was found federally liable for wanton abuse and defamation in 2023, but not rape. A jury awarded Carroll $5 million although she asked for $12 million. Trump denied Carroll’s accusations time and time again, which prompted her to sue him for defamation. The lawsuit cited specific statements Trump made in 2019 while president. She was awarded punitive damages totaling $68 million after the jury found that his “statements were made to harm” her. The jury also awarded Carroll $11 million to pay for a program that helps repair a person’s reputation, as well as $7.3 million to cover compensatory damages.
Trump’s attorney Alina Habba stated through her spokesperson that Trump would be appealing the judge’s ruling and would likely succeed. Kaplan claimed that Trump’s comments about Carroll were more than just defensive comments, but rather an attempt to paint her as a liar who was looking for a payday. Kaplan also said that Trump’s rhetoric toward Carroll was threatening.
On March 8, Trump secured the $91.6 million bond needed to pay Carroll if he is unsuccessful in overturning the judgment during the appeals process. The judge’s rejection comes as Trump is currently on trial in New York for the infamous hush money case involving adult entertainer Stormy Daniels, which many have said is an attempt at election interference.
Copyright 2024, LibertySociety.com
