In a significant legal triumph, E. Jean Carroll, writer and journalist who accused Donald Trump of rape in the mid-1990s, emerged victorious in her defamation lawsuit against the former US president. A New York jury awarded Carroll an impressive $83.3 million in damages on Friday, ruling that Trump had lied when he denied her allegations and labelled her a political operative.
This latest ruling marks the second time Carroll has prevailed in court against Trump. Back in June 2023, she was awarded $5 million in a separate case for assault and battery stemming from the same incident she described in her 2019 book, "What Do We Need Men For? A Modest Proposal." The book, which gained widespread attention after being excerpted in New York magazine, recounted Carroll's allegations of being attacked by Trump in a Manhattan department store dressing room in the mid-1990s.
Carroll's legal journey faced numerous hurdles, including delays caused by Trump's attempts to assert presidential immunity and move the case to federal court. However, a change in New York law in 2022 allowed survivors of sexual abuse to pursue legal action against their perpetrators, regardless of the statute of limitations.
During the defamation trial, several key moments shed light on the proceedings. Carroll testified about the damaging impact of Trump's denials on her reputation and career, citing loss of employment opportunities, plummeting book sales, and receiving threats from Trump's supporters. She expressed fear for her safety, alleging that Trump's denials incited violence against her and prompted her to take measures such as acquiring a guard dog and firearm for protection.
Trump's legal team attempted to undermine Carroll's credibility by referencing her past social media posts and writings on sexual topics, insinuating ulterior motives behind her allegations. Carroll defended herself by asserting her right to express humour and provocative ideas as a humorist and feminist, emphasizing that her social media activity did not detract from the seriousness of her allegations against Trump.
Trump's courtroom behaviour drew attention, with interruptions and insults directed at Carroll, the judge, and the jury, as he vowed to appeal the verdict. Overall, Carroll's legal victory represents a significant moment in the #MeToo movement and highlights the challenges faced by survivors of sexual assault in seeking justice.