A jury has ruled that former President Donald Trump must pay E. Jean Carroll a staggering $83.3 million in damages for defaming her. This decision comes after Trump was found liable for defaming Carroll and separately found liable for sexually abusing her in the past.
Key Takeaway
A jury has ordered Donald Trump to pay E. Jean Carroll $83.3 million in damages for defaming her, marking a significant legal development in the ongoing legal battles between the two parties.
Verdict and Damages
The jury’s decision includes $65 million in punitive damages and $18.3 million in compensatory damages. The punitive damages are meant to send a message, while the compensatory damages are for the harm Carroll suffered due to Trump’s statements about her.
Carroll had sued over two specific statements made by Trump. One was where he called her story of the alleged sexual assault a “con job,” and the other was where he claimed to have never met her, which she called a lie.
Reaction and Response
Following the ruling, Carroll was reported to be emotional upon hearing the amount, while Trump expressed fury and called the verdict “absolutely ridiculous.” He also criticized the legal process, claiming that his First Amendment rights had been taken away.
