Federal Appeals Court Upholds $5 Million Award & Sexual Abuse Finding Against Trump

In a stunning development, a federal appeals court has upheld a jury’s finding in a civil case that former President Donald Trump sexually abused a columnist in a department store dressing room in the mid-1990s. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a written opinion affirming the $5 million award granted to E. Jean Carroll for defamation and sexual abuse.

The Allegation

E. Jean Carroll, a well-known magazine columnist, testified at a trial in 2023 that Trump, following a friendly encounter in spring 1996, turned violent in a store’s dressing room. Trump, who had denied the attack ever occurred, skipped the trial but briefly testified in a subsequent defamation trial earlier this year, resulting in an $83.3 million award.

The Appeals Court Decision

A three-judge panel of the appeals court rejected claims by Trump’s lawyers that the trial judge had made decisions that spoiled the trial. This included allowing two other women who had accused Trump of sexual abuse to testify and showing the “Access Hollywood” tape in which Trump made derogatory comments about women.

Reactions

Carroll, 81, and Trump, 78, both attended oral arguments at the 2nd Circuit in September. A spokesperson for Trump criticized the decision, calling it part of a “Witch Hunt,” while Carroll’s lawyer expressed gratitude for the ruling.

In conclusion, the court’s decision marks a significant moment in the legal battle between E. Jean Carroll and Donald Trump, shedding light on allegations of sexual abuse and defamation that have been ongoing for years. The ruling sets a precedent for accountability and justice in cases of sexual misconduct, emphasizing the importance of holding powerful individuals accountable for their actions.