Trump to pay $83.3 million
In a significant legal development, a New York jury on Friday directed former President Donald Trump, also a 2024 presidential candidate, to pay $83.3 million as compensation to writer E. Jean Carroll, whom he was found to have sexually assaulted and defamed. The civil order, which stunned the federal court with an audible gasp, surpassed Carroll’s defamation damages claim of over $10 million.
Responding almost immediately, Trump dismissed the verdict as “ridiculous” in a statement and vowed to appeal. The jury deliberated for just under three hours before reaching its decision. Trump had been present in court, leaving briefly and returning for closing arguments. However, he was absent when the compensatory and punitive damages were announced.
Following the verdict, Trump’s lawyer, Alina Habba, expressed gratitude to court staff. A juror exchanged a smile with Carroll as they left the courtroom after the judge encouraged them to maintain privacy. Judge Lewis Kaplan acknowledged the jury’s attentiveness, stating, “It’s clear to me… you paid attention.”
The substantial order includes $65 million in punitive damages, as the jury concluded that Trump had acted maliciously in his numerous public comments about Carroll. Additionally, $7.3 million was awarded in compensatory damages, and $11 million was designated for a reputational repair program.
Also read: Israel Advocates Persistent Collaboration and Lasting Friendship on India’s Republic Day
In a separate federal civil case in New York, a jury found Trump liable for the sexual assault of Carroll. Using his Truth Social platform, Trump launched a barrage of insulting messages targeting Carroll, the trial, and the judge after the verdict. Trump, 77, briefly took the stand during the trial, denying any instructions to harm Carroll with his statements. Judge Lewis Kaplan imposed limitations on Trump’s testimony, allowing only three yes-or-no questions to prevent public disparagement of the court or Carroll.
As he left the courtroom after his brief appearance, Trump remarked, “This is not America.”
Akhilesh Yadav defended party MLA Suresh Yadav after the latter reportedly referred to the BJP…
A dense fog covered the city, reducing visibility. The minimum temperature dropped to 9.2 degrees…
Delhi Police arrested Balyan under MCOCA on December 4, the same day he received bail…
Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav confirmed on Monday that those annihilated were operatives of Khalistan Zindabad…
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released an 'Aarop Patra' against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Chief…
Delhi High Court has issued a notice to Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale…