USA: A US Appeals Court upheld the guilty verdict and the USD 5 million fine imposed on Donald Trump in connection with a sexual abuse case involving writer E. Jean Carroll. The court, on Monday (Tuesday, December 31 IST), denied Trump’s request for a retrial, cementing the previous decision.
Trump was found guilty earlier of sexually abusing Carroll in 1996 at the Bergdorf Goodman department store in New York. Carroll had accused Trump of rape, a claim that Trump vehemently denied. During the trial, Trump stirred controversy by saying that Carroll was “not his type” and suggesting that her allegations were fabricated for publicity to promote her book.
Trump had challenged the verdict, arguing that the judge had erred by allowing the testimonies of two other women who accused him of assault. However, the Appeals Court ruled that Trump’s rights were not violated during the trial, and his request for a retrial was not substantial enough.
In addition to the sexual abuse verdict, Trump was found guilty of defaming Carroll and was ordered to pay additional damages. The court’s decision has been seen as a significant blow to Trump as he continues to face legal challenges.
