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Former President Donald Trump Countersues E. Jean Carroll for Defamation
Last month, a Federal jury in New York found former President Donald Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming E. Jean Carroll and awarded her $5 million in damages. However, the jurors did not find Trump liable for rape. Carroll, an ex-magazine columnist, had accused Trump of raping her in a department store dressing room in the mid-1990s, but it was not until 2019 that she made the allegation publicly in a book.
Trump’s Counterclaim
Trump has now countersued Carroll, claiming that a jury concluded that rape “clearly was not committed.” Trump’s counterclaim highlights Carroll’s public statements both before and after the trial, including an interview with CNN where Carroll affirmed that Trump had raped her. The counterclaim alleges that Carroll made these false statements with the intent to harm Trump’s reputation, despite the jury’s verdict to the contrary.
Carroll’s Response
Carroll’s lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, responded to Trump’s counterclaim by stating that Trump’s argument goes against logic and fact. Kaplan further argued that four out of the five statements listed in Trump’s countersuit were made outside of New York’s statute of limitations, and the remaining statement would not withstand a motion to dismiss.
Implications and Future Proceedings
Trump, who has appealed last month’s verdict, called it “disgusting” and has consistently denied knowing Carroll or committing the alleged acts. In addition to this countersuit, there is a separate defamation lawsuit filed by Carroll against Trump, which is scheduled to go to trial in January. Carroll amended her lawsuit to include Trump’s post-verdict comments. Trump’s countersuit seeks to deny Carroll any damages related to the amended complaint, request a retraction of her statements, and obtain damages and legal fees for himself.
The impending trial and ongoing legal battles highlight the weight of the allegations made against Trump and the significant damage done to both parties’ reputations. The outcome of these legal proceedings will determine the accountability and potential consequences for the individuals involved.
