Lawyer for E. Jean Carroll says Trump wants to delay $5 million payment in sex abuse, defamation case
E. Jean Carroll's Lawyer: Trump Aims to Delay $5M Payment in Defamation Case
Lawyer for E Jean Carroll says - After the Supreme Court declined to review Trump's appeal in the defamation and sexual abuse case against writer E. Jean Carroll, her legal team is pushing to speed up the final payment of the $5 million judgment awarded in 2023. Roberta Kaplan, representing Carroll, told the court that Trump's lawyers had attempted to delay the release of funds, but Carroll would not agree to such a postponement. The payment, which includes $779,783 in interest, had been pending for years, and Kaplan emphasized the financial strain on her client due to the prolonged legal process.
Supreme Court Decision Sparks Urgency for Final Payment
With the Supreme Court's ruling, the path for the $5 million payment has been cleared. Trump's legal team had previously requested Carroll's consent to delay the disbursement, but Kaplan swiftly rejected the proposal. She urged the New York federal court to fast-track the process, asking for a seven-day response period instead of the standard 14 days. The court’s decision to expedite the payment reflects the urgency in resolving the case, which has been ongoing since 2023.
Carroll’s legal team is highlighting the significance of the Supreme Court’s decision as a turning point. The initial $5 million award was based on findings of sexual assault and defamation, with the jury reaching a unanimous verdict in under three hours. Trump’s defense had argued that the evidence was insufficient, but Kaplan’s motion underscores the need for swift action to finalize the judgment. The case now hinges on the court’s ability to enforce the timeline set by the legal team.
Sexual Assault Allegations and Deposition Evidence
The lawsuit centers on claims that Trump sexually assaulted Carroll in the 1990s during a shopping trip. A pivotal moment in the trial involved Trump’s deposition, where he mistakenly identified Carroll as his ex-wife, Marla Maples. Kaplan used this error to question Trump’s credibility, stating it supported Carroll’s account of the incident. The jury was presented with video footage of the deposition, where Trump admitted inserting his fingers into Carroll’s vagina, which played a key role in the verdict.
Carroll’s testimony, including precise details about the encounter, was critical in securing the $5 million award. Her legal team argues that Trump’s denials are inconsistent with the evidence, particularly the deposition footage. The Supreme Court’s decision to reject the appeal has been described by Carroll as a “victory for every woman in the world,” reinforcing the case’s broader implications for sexual misconduct allegations in the legal system.
Additional Defamation Verdict and Appeals
Carroll’s legal team also secured a separate $83 million award in a January 2024 trial, citing other defamatory statements made by Trump. This second verdict adds to the total judgment against him, though Trump’s lawyers have indicated they will challenge it through an appeal. The case has become a landmark example of how sexual misconduct claims are being addressed in court, with Kaplan’s strategy focused on ensuring Carroll receives the full amount of the awards promptly.
Despite the Supreme Court’s decision, Trump continues to dispute the allegations, arguing he did not recognize Carroll and that she was not his type. Kaplan’s motion to expedite the $5 million payment highlights the need to end the financial uncertainty for Carroll, who has consistently maintained her version of events. The legal battle now moves toward enforcement, with the court’s role in finalizing the disbursement critical to the outcome for her client.
"This win is for every woman in the world," Carroll wrote on her Substack blog, expressing relief over the Supreme Court’s ruling. Her lawyer, Kaplan, has been instrumental in shaping the legal strategy, ensuring the case progresses toward resolution. With the payment on the horizon, the focus shifts to how quickly Trump’s team will comply with the court’s directive, marking a key moment in the ongoing saga.