A federal judge has dismissed former President Trump’s latest bid for a new trial, affirming the verdict and $83.3 million judgment against him in the defamation lawsuit brought by writer E. Jean Carroll.
In his written opinion, U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan dismissed Trump’s arguments as “without merit,” emphasizing the malicious nature of Trump’s attacks against Carroll.
Kaplan highlighted the widespread dissemination of Trump’s remarks, reaching over 100 million people, and noted the public threats and personal attacks that endangered Carroll’s well-being.
E. Jean Carroll (Credits: Union Leader)
The jury’s decision in January to award Carroll $83.3 million in damages followed Kaplan’s finding that Trump was liable for defamation. Trump subsequently sought a new trial, which has now been denied. Carroll accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in the 1990s, prompting Trump’s denials and disparaging comments.
Kaplan’s opinion underscored the high degree of reprehensibility in Trump’s actions on social media and during the trial, suggesting that Trump’s continued defamation warranted important deterrent measures, such as the substantial damages awarded to Carroll.
Donald J Trump (Credits: Yahoo News Singapore)
The judge pointed out Trump’s use of the presidential office to attack Carroll, casting doubt on her credibility and threatening retaliation. This conduct, Kaplan argued, justified the jury’s decision and the substantial damages awarded.
In response to the ruling, Roberta Kaplan, Carroll’s attorney, expressed satisfaction with the judge’s decision, stating that it was reasonable for the jury to award such damages considering Trump’s ongoing defamation during the trial and his behavior in the courtroom. She emphasized Trump’s “hatred and disdain” on display during the proceedings.
