Supreme Court rejects Donald Trump's push to overturn E. Jean Carroll assault and defamation verdict
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court has rejected President Donald Trump's appeal in a case involving writer E. Jean Carroll, who alleged that Trump sexually assaulted her in 1996. The decision means a $5 million civil judgment against Trump will stand.
The case originated from a federal lawsuit filed by Carroll in Manhattan, accusing Trump of assault in a department store dressing room. Carroll also claimed Trump defamed her with statements describing her allegations as a "con job" and "hoax" after his first term in office.
Trump has denied the allegations, citing the lack of police reports and witnesses. His lawyers argued that Carroll waited until he was president to bring her claims, seeking to "maximize political injury to him and profit for herself."
The Supreme Court's decision upholds a 2023 jury verdict and a lower court's ruling that allowed testimony from other women who accused Trump of sexual misconduct. The court also permitted jurors to view the "Access Hollywood" tape, in which Trump made disparaging comments about women.
Carroll's lawyers argued that the evidence was relevant to Trump's alleged prior conduct and propensity for similar actions. The 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals previously upheld the jury verdict, finding that the evidence did not significantly impact the outcome.
A separate defamation claim filed by Carroll, resulting in an $83.3 million judgment, is still on appeal. Trump's lawyers argue that the claims should be dismissed due to presidential immunity.
The case originated from a federal lawsuit filed by Carroll in Manhattan, accusing Trump of assault in a department store dressing room. Carroll also claimed Trump defamed her with statements describing her allegations as a "con job" and "hoax" after his first term in office.
Trump has denied the allegations, citing the lack of police reports and witnesses. His lawyers argued that Carroll waited until he was president to bring her claims, seeking to "maximize political injury to him and profit for herself."
The Supreme Court's decision upholds a 2023 jury verdict and a lower court's ruling that allowed testimony from other women who accused Trump of sexual misconduct. The court also permitted jurors to view the "Access Hollywood" tape, in which Trump made disparaging comments about women.
Carroll's lawyers argued that the evidence was relevant to Trump's alleged prior conduct and propensity for similar actions. The 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals previously upheld the jury verdict, finding that the evidence did not significantly impact the outcome.
A separate defamation claim filed by Carroll, resulting in an $83.3 million judgment, is still on appeal. Trump's lawyers argue that the claims should be dismissed due to presidential immunity.
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