Former President Donald Trump's legal team is pushing for a new trial in the defamation case brought by writer E. Jean Carroll. The lawyers argue that Trump deserves a fresh opportunity to explain his actions and statements regarding Carroll's sex abuse claims against him.
The case stems from Carroll's allegations that Trump sexually abused her in 1996 and defamed her in 2019 after she went public with her story. Two separate juries have already ruled in Carroll's favor, awarding her a total of $88.3 million in damages.
During the recent trial, Trump was present in the courtroom and expressed his discontent with the proceedings. His lawyers claim that the judge's decision to limit Trump's testimony may have influenced the jury's verdict, warranting a new trial.
Trump's legal team contends that the former president had valid reasons to publicly deny Carroll's accusations, including defending his reputation, protecting his family, and safeguarding his presidency. They argue that Trump's statements were not solely intended to harm Carroll.
In his previous remarks, Trump dismissed Carroll's claims as false and questioned her credibility. He denied ever meeting her, despite photographic evidence to the contrary. Trump also made disparaging comments about Carroll's appearance, which she interpreted as an insinuation that she was not attractive enough to be assaulted.
Carroll, an 80-year-old advice columnist, has maintained that Trump's statements damaged her career and subjected her to online threats. Her legal representative has yet to respond to the latest developments in the case.
