In a significant blow to former US President Donald Trump, a United States jury has found him liable for sexually abusing writer E Jean Carroll and defaming her.
The verdict was delivered in a Manhattan federal court after a seven-day civil trial, just hours after the jurors began deliberating.
E Jean Carroll had accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in the mid-1990s at a New York City department store.
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She further claimed that Trump defamed her by publicly dismissing her account as a “con job” when she shared her story in a memoir published in 2019.
While the jury did not find Trump guilty of rape, they held him responsible for sexual abuse and defamation. The New York Times, CNN, and other US news outlets reported that the nine-member jury awarded Carroll approximately $5 million in compensatory and punitive damages.
It is important to note that since this was a civil case, Trump does not face any criminal consequences as a result of the verdict. However, the ruling could have implications for Trump’s political future as he contemplates a potential re-election bid in 2024.
The outcome of this trial highlights the ongoing scrutiny and legal challenges faced by the former president, adding another chapter to his controversial legacy.
As the news spreads, it is likely to spark further debates and discussions about the accountability of public figures and the treatment of sexual assault allegations.
