A New York jury has recently ruled that former President Donald Trump must pay a total of $83.3 million to E. Jean Carroll. The jury found that Trump had ruined Carroll’s credibility as an advice columnist when he called her a liar after she accused him of sexual assault. The awarded amount includes $65 million in punitive damages, $11 million for the damage caused to her reputation, and an additional $7.3 million.
While the size of the penalty is significant, it was not unexpected given the circumstances. Judge Lewis Kaplan had already ruled before the trial that Trump had indeed defamed Carroll. As a result, the jury’s task was solely to determine the amount that Trump owed her, rather than deciding his liability.
This is not the first time that Trump has been ordered to pay Carroll. Last year, a separate jury mandated him to pay $5 million for another instance of defamation. It is highly likely that Trump will appeal the recent verdict, as he has done in previous cases.
The ruling serves as a reminder of the legal consequences that can arise from defamatory statements. Despite the appeal process, the jury’s decision stands as a significant judgment against Trump for his actions. The case highlights the importance of maintaining credibility and the potential repercussions of damaging someone’s reputation.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on publicly available sources and does not constitute legal advice.