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Trump Faces Affirmed Sexual Misconduct Judgment by Federal Appeals Court

Trump found legally responsible for sexual abuse of a former columnist by a federal appeals court, as decided by a jury.

Court of Appeals Affirms Sexual Assault Judgment Against Trump
Court of Appeals Affirms Sexual Assault Judgment Against Trump

Trump Faces Affirmed Sexual Misconduct Judgment by Federal Appeals Court

In a landmark decision, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a jury's finding that President Donald Trump is liable for the sexual abuse of a former newspaper columnist, E. Jean Carroll. The court's decision reinforces the jury's verdict that Trump's statements about Carroll were defamatory, supporting the damages awarded to her.

The case dates back to the 1990s when Carroll accused Trump of raping her in a New York City department store. Trump has repeatedly denied any and all knowledge of the incident and has also denied ever meeting Carroll.

The first trial began in April 2023, and in May 2023, a jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll and defaming her by calling her a liar. The jury did not find Trump liable for rape but awarded Carroll $5 million in damages.

A subsequent trial in January 2024 awarded Carroll an additional $83.3 million in damages. The $5 million judgment from the first trial was upheld on appeal by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on December 30, 2024.

The appeals court did not find any errors in the trial rulings that warranted a new trial. One controversial piece of evidence, the "Access Hollywood" tape, was not directly related to the Carroll case but highlighted broader concerns about Trump's behavior towards women.

In 2005, Trump was recorded on a hot microphone bragging about his ability to touch women without their consent, which many interpreted as sexual misconduct. This tape was leaked in October 2016, leading to widespread criticism and multiple women coming forward with allegations against Trump.

Both E. Jean Carroll and her attorney, Roberta Kaplan, are pleased with the court's verdict. Kaplan thanked the Second Circuit for their careful consideration of the case. On the other hand, Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for President Trump, emphasized the need for an end to the political weaponization of the justice system and the dismissal of the Carroll case.

The Carroll case will continue to be appealed, according to Cheung. However, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has explicitly rejected Trump's allegations that trial judge Lewis A. Kaplan had spoiled the trial by permitting two other women who had accused Trump of sexual abuse to testify.

In the trial, Carroll testified that Trump turned a friendly encounter in a New York City department store into a violent attack, which allegedly took place in 1995 inside a dressing room. Trump offered testimony at a related defamation trial.

The court described the encounters between Trump and the women as ordinary conversations followed by Trump lunging at the women and forcibly kissing and touching them without their consent. The ruling by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals marks a significant victory for Carroll and a notable rebuke for Trump.

The Carroll case, involving sexual abuse allegations, defamation claims, and a landmark appeal decision, continues to be a topic of general news and politics, highlighting policy-and-legislation concerns regarding the behavior of public officials. The ruling by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals underscores the crime-and-justice implications of Trump's actions, as the court found him liable for sexually abusing E. Jean Carroll and defaming her, awarding her a substantial sum in damages.

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