Trump Suddenly Exits E. Jean Carroll Trial
TL/DR –
A defamation trial against former president Donald Trump has begun deliberations, deciding if he owes additional millions to writer E. Jean Carroll after a jury last year found that he sexually abused her in 1996. Carroll’s lawyer asked jurors to award $24 million in compensatory damages and more in punitive damages, while Trump’s attorney argued that Carroll gained fame and success from her accusations. The jury in the case must accept last year’s $5 million verdict against Trump, with their role focused on determining any additional compensation.
Jury Deliberates in Defamation Suit Against Ex-President Donald Trump
Deliberations began on Friday in the defamation trial against former President Donald Trump. The jury will decide if writer E. Jean Carroll is owed additional millions following last year’s verdict that Trump sexually abused her in 1996.
Trump made a dramatic exit from the courtroom as arguments were heard, but later returned as his lawyer defended statements he made in 2019. Carroll’s attorney, Roberta Kaplan, requested jurors to award $24 million in compensatory damages and a larger amount in punitive damages.
Trump’s counsel, Alina Habba, argued that Carroll gained fame and success from her accusations against Trump. She insisted that Trump told the truth when he denied Carroll’s claims.
Jury finds Trump liable for sexual abuse, awards accuser $5M
During Kaplan’s closing argument, Trump unexpectedly left the courtroom, causing a stir. Judge Lewis A. Kaplan intervened, noting that Trump had left. The exit occurred soon after the judge threatened to jail Habba for failing to stop speaking when instructed.
Trump, who was not required to attend, seemed agitated during the proceedings. Kaplan argued that the case was about punishing Trump for what he’s done and continues to do, emphasizing the need to stop him.
Habba countered that Trump shouldn’t have to pay Carroll for triggering hate messages from strangers. She referred to a video in which Trump called last year’s verdict a “disgrace” and “the greatest witch hunt of all time.”
The final remarks by the lawyers come after Trump appeared briefly on the witness stand. He was frustrated that he hadn’t had the opportunity to refute Carroll’s sexual abuse allegations. The jury was instructed to disregard both remarks.
Last year’s jury found that Trump sexually abused Carroll in a Manhattan department store in 1996. He also defamed her in 2022 by claiming her allegations were false. Trump regretted not testifying at that trial, blaming his lawyers. The jury in the current trial has been instructed to accept last year’s verdict.
Carroll, 80, testified last week that her career was ruined by Trump’s statements about her over the past five years. The jury will decide what Trump owes, if anything, to Carroll after she was awarded $5 million last year.
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