A federal jury on Friday said that Donald Trump must pay E. Jean Carroll $83.3 million in damages for defaming her in statements he made as president, per CNBC.
The awarded damages encompassed $11 million for harm to Carroll's reputation, $7.3 million for emotional distress and additional damages, along with $65 million in punitive damages.
This verdict followed intense closing arguments, during which Trump left the courtroom abruptly but returned for his attorney's statements. However, he departed the courthouse before the jury delivered its decision.
Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, shortly afterward, expressing discontent: "Absolutely ridiculous!" he posted, signaling his intent to appeal and claiming a violation of First Amendment rights. His attorney, Alina Habba, criticized the verdict, deeming it a "violation of our justice system."
Carroll refrained from addressing reporters after leaving the courthouse but later issued a statement celebrating the verdict's significance for women standing up against adversity. Her attorney, Roberta Kaplan, emphasized that the ruling establishes the applicability of the law to everyone, irrespective of wealth or fame.
Prior to this, Trump had been found liable for defaming Carroll during his presidency, where he mocked her allegations of sexual abuse. This jury focused solely on determining the compensation for the damages Carroll endured.
Kaplan urged the jury for a minimum of $24 million in compensatory damages for Carroll's suffering and substantial punitive damages to deter further defamation. She emphasized Trump's perception that rules don't apply to him, urging the jury to hold him accountable for his actions against E. Jean Carroll.
