E. Jean Carroll, an 80-year-old columnist, has expressed her intention to allocate the $83 million in damages she is poised to receive from Donald Trump towards a cause that the former president strongly dislikes and that would cause him distress. This statement comes after a Manhattan jury awarded her a substantial sum following her defamation case against Trump.
Carroll accused Trump of sexual assault in 2019, an allegation which he vehemently denied, insisting he had never met her. Trump’s denial led to the defamation suit, with the jury eventually ordering him to pay $7.3 million for emotional harm, $11 million for reputational damages, and $65 million in punitive damages for publicly attacking her character.
Carroll shared her overwhelming emotional response to the jury’s decision in an interview with Good Morning America, mentioning that the moment of victory was filled with such intense elation that it was almost painful. She walked out of the courtroom exchanging smiles with the jury, a gesture that brought her to tears.
The columnist is contemplating using the settlement for the benefit of women who have allegedly been sexually assaulted by Donald Trump. She emphasized her desire not to squander the money but rather to use it effectively for a meaningful cause. One idea she is considering is setting up a fund for these women.
Trump, 77, has dismissed the jury’s verdict as absurd and plans to appeal. He was campaigning in Nevada at the time the verdict was announced and was not present in court. Trump’s legal team has indicated that they are prepared to defend him vigorously against these allegations.
Carroll and her lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, are aware that receiving the damages might not be immediate. They hinted that Trump might need to liquidate some of his real estate assets to fulfill the payment. Kaplan also stated that if Trump defames Carroll again, they are ready to take further legal action, potentially leading to more financial repercussions for Trump.