Fact Check: "In 2023, a jury in Manhattan federal court found Donald Trump liable for battery and defamation against E. Jean Carroll."
What We Know
In May 2023, a federal jury in Manhattan found former President Donald Trump liable for both battery and defamation against writer E. Jean Carroll. The jury concluded that Trump had sexually abused Carroll in the mid-1990s and subsequently defamed her by denying the allegations publicly. Carroll was awarded a total of $5 million in damages, which included $2 million for battery and $2.7 million for defamation, along with additional punitive damages (NPR, Wikipedia).
The jury's decision followed a civil trial where Carroll testified about an encounter with Trump in a Bergdorf Goodman department store dressing room. Although the jury did not find Trump liable for rape, they did determine that he had committed sexual abuse (NPR). This finding was based on the lower burden of proof required in civil cases, which is "preponderance of the evidence," meaning the jury believed Carroll's account was more likely true than not (NPR).
Analysis
The claim that a jury found Trump liable for battery and defamation is supported by multiple reputable sources. The verdict was reached after a brief deliberation by the jury, which indicates a strong consensus among jurors regarding the evidence presented (NPR).
Carroll's testimony was corroborated by two friends who testified that she had confided in them shortly after the alleged incident, adding credibility to her claims (NPR). Trump's defense, which included attempts to undermine Carroll's credibility by questioning her memory of the incident and suggesting collusion among her friends, was ultimately unsuccessful (NPR).
The sources used in this fact-check, including NPR and BBC, are reputable news organizations known for their journalistic standards. They provide detailed accounts of the trial and the jury's findings, making them reliable for this analysis. Additionally, the legal context surrounding the case, including the nature of civil trials and the burden of proof, is well-explained in these reports (NPR, BBC).
Conclusion
The claim that a jury in Manhattan federal court found Donald Trump liable for battery and defamation against E. Jean Carroll in 2023 is True. The jury's verdict was based on the evidence presented during the trial, which included Carroll's testimony and supporting witness accounts. The decision reflects the jury's belief in Carroll's claims over Trump's denials.
Sources
- Trump found liable for battery, defamation against E. Jean ...
- Trump loses bid for appeals court to reconsider $5m loss ...
- E. Jean Carroll v. Donald J. Trump
- Appeals court rejects Trump's bid to challenge $5 million E ...
- Trump loses bid to rehear E. Jean Carroll case appeal
- Donald Trump Suffers Legal Blow in E. Jean Carroll Case
- Carroll v. Trump, No. 23-793 (2d Cir. 2024)
- NY appeals court rejects bid to overturn Trump's ...
