A federal appeals court has dealt a significant blow to Donald Trump, upholding a $5 million verdict against him in a lawsuit filed by E. Jean Carroll. The lawsuit, which was filed in 2019, accuses Trump of raping Carroll in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room in the 1990s. Trump has consistently denied the allegations, but the appeals court’s decision marks a major setback for him.
The case has been marked by several key developments, including Trump’s contentious deposition in October 2022. During the deposition, Trump denied the allegations and made several statements that were widely criticized. The trial began in April 2023, with Carroll testifying about the alleged incident and Trump’s lawyers arguing that the encounter was consensual.
In May 2023, the jury delivered a verdict, finding Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll. The jury ordered Trump to pay $5 million in damages, a decision that Trump promptly appealed. However, the appeals court has now upheld the verdict, marking a significant victory for Carroll and a major defeat for Trump.
The outcome of the case has sparked widespread debate and discussion, with many praising Carroll’s courage in coming forward and criticizing Trump’s handling of the allegations. The case has also raised important questions about accountability and the treatment of survivors of sexual assault. As the case continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the appeals court’s decision marks a major turning point in the lawsuit, and Trump will likely face significant consequences as a result.
