Former President Donald Trump’s attempt to overturn a $5 million verdict in a sexual assault and defamation case involving E. Jean Carroll has been rejected by a federal appeals court. The decision upholds the earlier ruling, which found Trump liable for sexually assaulting Carroll in a Manhattan department store during the 1990s and defaming her through public statements.
The legal battle began when Carroll, a former magazine columnist, brought the case against Trump, alleging he assaulted her in a dressing room decades ago. In addition to the assault claims, she accused Trump of defamation following his repeated denials of the incident, including comments that questioned her credibility and described her accusations as politically motivated.
In May, a jury awarded Carroll $5 million in damages, concluding that she had proven her claims of assault and defamation. Trump’s legal team appealed the verdict, arguing that it was flawed and should be overturned. However, the appellate court disagreed, affirming the jury’s decision.
The ruling marks another legal setback for Trump, who is simultaneously navigating multiple court cases and a potential 2024 presidential campaign. While his attorneys have indicated plans to explore further legal options, the decision represents a significant victory for Carroll, who has maintained her claims throughout years of litigation.
Trump has consistently denied all allegations, calling the case a “witch hunt” and asserting that it was part of a broader effort to damage his political career. Carroll, in response to the latest ruling, expressed gratitude for the court’s decision and emphasized the importance of accountability.
As the case concludes, it remains a focal point in public discussions surrounding Trump’s legal challenges and the broader implications for his political aspirations. Legal experts note that the decision reinforces the weight of jury verdicts in high-profile civil cases.