In a world where the line between reality TV and politics is blurrier than a Monet painting, the former president, Donald Trump, continues to generate trivia worthy of a prime-time soap opera. This time, it’s the E. Jean Carroll trial, a former advice columnist with a tale as gripping as her pen.
Carroll alleged in her 2019 memoir that Donald Trump raped her in a Bergdorf Goodman store in New York City in 1996. Trump denied the allegation and called her a “nut job.” Carroll sued him under a New York law that allowed her to file a civil lawsuit despite the expired statute of limitations. On May 9, 2023, the jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation. They awarded Carroll $5 million in damages: $2 million for sexual abuse, $1 million for defamation, and $2 million in punitive damages. Here are the facts.
When Memoirs Morph into Legal Battles
Carroll’s dramatic revelation first saw the light of day in her 2019 memoir. She alleged that Trump sexually assaulted her in the oh-so-glamorous dressing room of Bergdorf Goodman back in 1996. Trump’s eloquent response to this allegation was to call Carroll a “nut job” and spin the tale as fiction. This left Carroll with no choice but to sue Trump for defamation. But it seems like the plot was just thickening.
New York’s Adult Survivors Act: A Gateway to Justice
Carroll capitalized on the New York State Adult Survivors Act, a lifeline for those with long-expired sexual assault allegations. It was a move as strategic as 4D chess, putting Trump squarely on the defensive.
April Showers Bring May… Verdicts?
Fast-forward to April 24, 2023. The stage was set in a federal court in Manhattan, and Carroll’s testimony had more episodes than a Netflix binge. The jury heard from two other women accusing Trump of assault: Jessica Leeds and Natasha Stoynoff. They were also treated to a private screening of the infamous 2005 grab-that-cat “Access Hollywood” tape.
Trump’s Tweet: A Modern Witch Hunt
Trump, ever the social media maestro, decided not to grace the court with his presence. Instead, he posted a message online, on his own “Truth” social platform, calling the trial a “witch hunt.” One can only assume he had his broomstick ready, just in case.
The Verdict: A Tale of Tears, Triumph, and Trumped-up Charges
Finally, on May 9, 2023, after three long hours of deliberation (because, let’s face it, lunch breaks are important), the jury reached a verdict. They found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, but not rape, and awarded Carroll $5 million.
Carroll’s Reaction: A Cocktail of Emotion
With tears streaking her face and laughter punctuating her words, Carroll declared her victory not just for herself but for every woman whose voice was previously unheard.
Trump’s Tantrum: A Predictable Plot Twist
True to form, Trump quickly lashed out at the verdict, vowing to appeal and blaming a “biased judge.”
Another Legal Landmine on Trump’s Path
Meanwhile, as Trump faces an avalanche of other lawsuits, this verdict just adds to the pile: From his business to his taxes, his conduct during the elections, and his alleged role in the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. It seems like his legal woes multiply faster than rabbits in spring.
The Aftermath: A Defamation Domino Effect?
The E. Jean Carroll trial verdict could set a precedent for other defamation lawsuits against Trump. It’s like a game of dominos – once one falls, the rest could quickly follow.
News Trivia Quiz Time
Now that you know all the facts about the E. Jean Carroll trial, how about a news quiz?
Sources
We cross-checked these E. Jean Carroll trial facts with the world’s leading news providers. Here are some articles we read for this post.
- AP News: Jury finds Trump liable for sexual abuse, awards E. Jean Carroll $5M
- CNN Politics: E. Jean Carroll trial: Jury finds Donald Trump sexually abused columnist in a civil case, awards her $5 million
- Sky News: Trump attacks biased judge and will appeal after jury finds he sexually abused writer E Jean Carroll in changing room
- The Economist: A jury unanimously finds Donald Trump liable for sexual assault
- NPR: Trump found liable for battery, defamation against E. Jean Carroll
- The New York Times: Jury Finds Trump Liable for Sexual Abuse and Defamation
- Reuters: Trump sexually abused writer E. Jean Carroll, must pay her $5 million, jury says
- The Guardian: Key Moments in the Donald Trump-E. Jean Carroll Trial that Gripped America
