**Trump Pays $5.6 Million to E. Jean Carroll Following Civil Trial Verdict**
US President Donald Trump has made a payment of $5.6 million to author E. Jean Carroll, following a civil trial in which a jury found him liable for sexual assault and defamation. The payment was confirmed by Carroll’s attorney, Roberta Kaplan, and is in accordance with a verdict issued in May 2023. Court documents detailing the transaction were released on Tuesday.
Kaplan expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “Today, we are pleased to announce that E. Jean Carroll has received the damages awarded to her by the jury following this decision.” The payment comes after the US Supreme Court declined to hear Trump’s appeal against the jury's ruling, effectively upholding the original verdict. Following this decision, a federal judge mandated that the payment be executed.
Carroll, now 82 years old, is a former journalist and columnist for Elle magazine. She accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in a fitting room at a New York department store in 1996. Carroll publicly disclosed her allegations in 2019, coinciding with the release of her book that detailed her claims against the former president.
Trump has consistently denied the allegations, labeling Carroll’s claims as false and characterizing the case against him as a “set-up.” He has also referred to Carroll as “corrupt,” maintaining his stance throughout the legal proceedings.
In addition to the $5.6 million payment, Carroll has pursued a separate defamation case against Trump, which resulted in a jury ordering him to pay $83.3 million in damages. This decision has been upheld by an appeals court, although it remains subject to further legal scrutiny, pending a possible review by the Supreme Court.
The recent payment relates specifically to the first civil case, where the jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation. However, it is notable that the jury did not find him liable for rape under the legal definitions applied during the trial.
Despite the rulings against him, Trump has continued to deny any wrongdoing and has voiced criticism regarding the legal challenges he faces. It is important to note that the outcomes of these civil cases pertain to civil liability and do not equate to criminal convictions.
The legal battles between Trump and Carroll have drawn significant media attention, reflecting broader discussions around issues of sexual assault, defamation, and accountability for public figures. As the situation develops, both parties may continue to navigate the complexities of the legal system, with potential implications for Trump’s political future and Carroll’s advocacy for survivors of sexual violence.