In his scathing response to E. Jean Carroll’s $83.3 million defamation verdict, which a Manhattan jury handed down, former president Trump referred to the case as a “Biden Directed Witch Hunt.”
A federal court jury in Manhattan has awarded E. Jean Carroll $83.3 million in damages for the libelous statements that former president Donald J. Trump made about her. Carroll accused Trump of rape in the Bergdorf Goodman dressing room.
While campaigning and on Truth Social, Trump used over 40 social media posts to damage her reputation and provoke a wave of death threats from his supporters. He denied the allegations.
Following Friday’s ruling, Trump released a statement in which he denied Carroll’s story and placed blame on the “Biden Directed Witch Hunt” for the court’s decision.
“Absolutely ridiculous! I fully disagree with both verdicts, and will be appealing this whole Biden Directed Witch Hunt focused on me and the Republican Party,” Trump said in a statement to the press. “Our Legal System is out of control, and being used as a Political Weapon. They have taken away all First Amendment Rights. THIS IS NOT AMERICA!. ”
A federal jury in Manhattan found Trump guilty of sexual assault in an initial case that was filed against him in May of last year. Carroll was awarded $5 million in damages. Carroll was able to win the second defamation case thanks to the decision.
When Trump became disruptive and made audible disagreements during Carroll’s testimony—using terms like “con job” and “witch hunt”—Judge Lewis A. Kaplan threatened to remove Trump from the courtroom.
“I hope I don’t have to consider excluding you from the trial,” Judge Kaplan said. “I understand you’re probably very eager for me to do that.”
Trump responded, “I would love it.”
Trump maintained his denial of the allegations up until Friday’s verdict, and he left the courtroom during Roberta Kaplan’s closing arguments on behalf of Carroll. Kaplan begged the jury to compensate Carroll $24 million for the mental anguish she endured as a result of this turbulent period. Moreover, denouncing his behavior throughout the trial.
According to Carroll’s lawyer Kaplan, “Trump spent the entire trial continuing to engage in defamation.”
Carroll triumphantly exited the courtroom following the announcement of the verdict.
“This is a great victory for every woman who stands up when she’s been knocked down, and a huge defeat for every bully who has tried to keep a woman down.”
