Regarding allegations of sexual harassment by a fashion magazine columnist
Final argument before the jury… Conclusion as early as today
Former President Donald Trump, who was embroiled in a lawsuit for damages, repeatedly denied responsibility, claiming that he defamed his opponent and subjected him to threats while refuting claims of sexual harassment.
According to CNN and the New York Times (NYT), former President Trump attended the final argument of the defamation trial filed by former fashion magazine columnist E Jean Carroll held at the Southern District Court in New York on the 26th (local time).
The jury is expected to deliver a verdict as early as this day, and both sides did their best to persuade them at the last minute.
Carroll’s attorney appeared first in the final argument, but former President Trump suddenly left the courtroom and returned only after Carroll’s arguments were over.
Carroll’s side claimed that they should receive at least $24 million in damages to compensate for the emotional damage caused by defamation and threats.
The lawyer said, “I believe the law can take into account not only former President Trump’s malicious and ongoing actions, but also his assets,” and added, “Unusually high punitive damages would be necessary to stop former President Trump and give Carol a chance to get her life back to normal.” insisted.
On the other hand, former President Trump’s representative emphasized, “You may have heard former President Trump say that he had no intention of causing harm.”
He also said that the threats and hateful messages poured out to Carroll should be universally condemned, but added, “Former President Trump does not have to pay the price for that. He did not tolerate them and did not give them instructions. “All he did was tell the truth.”
After both sides’ arguments ended, Judge Lewis Kaplan asked the jury to accept the sexual harassment and defamation charges against Carroll and return to the verdict. This is because her sexual harassment and some defamation facts were acknowledged in a separate trial earlier.
Judge Kaplan said, “Anyone who has been defamed deserves fair and just compensation,” but explained, “Fair compensation can range from as little as $1.”
The NYT reported that former President Trump watched the trial relatively calmly, but shook his head whenever arguments or decisions were made that were unfavorable to him.
The jurors are expected to hold discussions immediately on this day and then render a verdict on former President Trump’s liability for compensation.
Carroll’s side is demanding damages for former President Trump defaming the victim, Carroll, through a statement denying allegations of sexual harassment in 2019 and causing her to receive threats and hate messages.
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Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.