Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, has been instructed to pay an additional $83.3 million to E Jean Carroll. This ruling comes just a few months after Carroll won $5 million in a case against Trump for sexual assault and defamation. Despite this, Trump has criticized the decision as "absolutely ridiculous" and has stated intentions to challenge the verdict.
In a statement following the ruling, Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the legal system, describing it as "out of control" and being manipulated for political purposes. During the trial, Trump left the courtroom in a breach of decorum while Carroll's lawyers were presenting their final arguments.
The awarded amount includes $18.3 million as compensation for the damage caused to Carroll's reputation and an additional $65 million in punitive damages to penalize Trump and discourage him from committing future acts of defamation.
"This verdict is a significant win for every woman who refuses to stay silent after facing adversity and a major setback for every oppressor who tries to silence them," said Carroll through her spokesperson after the ruling.
Earlier in 2023, another court awarded the columnist $5 million in damages in a sexual assault case. Although Trump was not found guilty of rape, the court held him accountable for sexually assaulting Carroll and subsequently defaming her by dismissing her allegations. The incident occurred in 1996 at Bergdorf Goodman's Fifth Avenue store, where Carroll alleges Trump forcefully attacked her.
Trump is also awaiting a verdict in a civil fraud trial in New York, where state prosecutors are seeking the return of $370 million, claiming it was obtained through fraudulent means involving exaggerated financial statements about his wealth.
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