World

Trump pays writer E Jean Carroll $5m in damages over sexual abuse and defamation

BBC World · 2026-07-14

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Former President Donald Trump has paid E. Jean Carroll over $5 million in damages after being found liable for sexually abusing and defaming her in a civil case. • Why it matters: This payment marks the conclusion of a lengthy legal battle and highlights ongoing discussions about accountability in cases of sexual assault and defamation, particularly involving high-profile figures. • What to watch next: Observers will be monitoring any further legal actions Trump may take, including potential appeals, and the broader implications of this case on public discourse surrounding sexual assault allegations.

**Trump Pays E. Jean Carroll Over $5 Million in Damages for Sexual Abuse and Defamation**

Former President Donald Trump has made a payment of more than $5 million to writer E. Jean Carroll, following a jury's decision that found him liable for sexually abusing and defaming her. This payment comes three years after the initial verdict in the civil case, as confirmed by Carroll's legal team.

Roberta Kaplan, one of Carroll's attorneys, announced the successful completion of the payment in a brief statement, expressing satisfaction that Carroll has received the damages awarded by the jury. The payment was made after a protracted legal battle, during which Trump sought to delay the payment while attempting to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. However, a judge ruled last week that Trump must fulfill the payment obligation.

Carroll, now 82 years old, accused Trump of assaulting her in a dressing room at the Bergdorf Goodman department store in Manhattan during the mid-1990s. She also claimed that Trump defamed her in a 2022 post on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he denied her allegations. The jury's decision in 2023 resulted in Carroll being awarded damages in response to her claims.

Following the jury's ruling, Trump deposited the awarded damages into a court-controlled account, where the funds remained while the appeals process was ongoing. Last week, Trump's legal representatives criticized the judge's ruling, labeling the case a "hoax" and a "Witch Hunt," and alleging that it had been funded by political opponents.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the case has attracted significant media attention, reflecting broader discussions about accountability and the treatment of sexual assault allegations in public life.

Source: BBC World
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