By Natalia Rueda 
On Friday, January 26, a jury ordered former President Donald Trump to pay $83 million in damages to journalist E. Jean Carroll (80). This decision comes as a result of a civil defamation lawsuit filed by Carroll in conjunction with her sexual abuse lawsuit against Trump. The court awarded Carroll $18.3 million in compensatory damages and a whopping $65 million in punitive damages.
Why was Trump sued?
It all started in June 2019 when Carroll published her book “What We Need Men For” in which she detailed alleged sexual abuse committed by Trump in 1996. In response, Trump took to his Social X network and proclaimed that Carroll was “not his type” and advised her to tell the truth. These statements became the basis for the defamation lawsuit.
After a lengthy trial, the jury determined that while Trump did not rape Carroll, there was evidence of sexual abuse. This was the first and only time allegations of sexual misconduct against Trump went to trial, a significant moment in the midst of his election campaign.
Trump, who left the courtroom in a fit of rage during the trial, called the verdict “ridiculous” and vowed to appeal the decision. He maintains that he is innocent and that this is all a politically motivated attack orchestrated by President Biden.
There is great relief and gratitude following the jury’s verdict in the Carroll case. Carroll’s attorney, Roberta Kaplan, is pleased with the jury’s decision, as it shows that victims’ voices matter and will be heard. Carroll made no statements to the press, but hugged her legal team in appreciation.