Former U.S. President Donald Trump has been directed by a jury to pay $83.3 million to writer E. Jean Carroll, whom he was accused of defaming after she disclosed allegations of sexual assault.
The verdict, delivered in a New York courtroom, includes $18.3 million in compensatory damages and an additional $65 million in punitive damages, significantly surpassing Carroll's initial claim of over $10 million.
This follows a prior ruling in May where Trump was found liable for sexual abuse and defamation, resulting in a $5 million payout to Carroll. Both cases were civil proceedings, focused on Trump's statements denying Carroll's claims during his presidency. Despite Trump's dismissal of the verdict as "absolutely ridiculous," Carroll celebrated the outcome as a triumph for women standing up against defamation.
The former president faces ongoing legal challenges, including a civil fraud trial and criminal cases, heightening scrutiny as he remains a strong favorite for the Republican presidential nominee in November
