On Monday, the Supreme Court once again rejected former President Donald Trump’s bid to overturn a jury verdict that found he sexually abused writer E. Jean Carroll at a New York City department store during the mid-1990s and subsequently defamed her. This decision reaffirms the jury's finding, which resulted in a $5 million judgment against Trump.
Trump's legal team had urged the justices to reconsider their earlier refusal to take up his appeal regarding the ruling. However, the Supreme Court denied Trump's petition alongside several other appeals, maintaining the jury’s decision.
Although it is not common, the Supreme Court occasionally grants such requests for reconsideration, which illustrates the unpredictable nature of high-profile legal cases. After the court opted not to hear Trump’s appeal last June, he paid the $5 million judgment, marking a significant moment in this ongoing legal battle.
In addition to this verdict, Trump and the Department of Justice have approached the Supreme Court to dismiss a second ruling related to Carroll, which totals $83 million. They contend that Trump should be immune from lawsuits regarding statements he made about Carroll in 2019, while he was serving as president. The Supreme Court has yet to make a decision on this particular appeal.
E. Jean Carroll, known as a longtime advice columnist and former television talk show host, testified during a 2023 trial that Trump transformed a seemingly friendly encounter in the 1990s into a violent assault in the dressing room of Bergdorf Goodman, a luxury store located directly across from Trump Tower in Manhattan. The jury ultimately ruled that Trump was liable for defaming Carroll after he denied her allegations in 2022, further complicating his legal challenges.
Carroll's attorney, Roberta Kaplan, expressed satisfaction with the Supreme Court's decision, stating, “As a result, the jury’s unanimous verdict that Donald Trump sexually assaulted and then defamed E. Jean Carroll is now final and cannot be challenged in any court.” This remark highlights the finality of the jury's ruling and solidifies Carroll’s position in this high-stakes legal confrontation.
Throughout this process, Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining his innocence in the face of these allegations and court findings. The implications of these legal battles could have far-reaching consequences for Trump, especially as he navigates the complexities of public opinion and his political career amidst ongoing litigation.
The Associated Press maintains a comprehensive coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court, following significant cases and decisions that shape the legal landscape of the nation.
Lindsay Whitehurst, The Associated Press
