E. Jean Carroll’s Second Defamation Trial Against Trump Begins Today
E. Jean Carroll, renowned writer and advice columnist, is bringing her second defamation trial against former President Donald Trump to court. Carroll’s legal team is seeking $10 million in damages over Trump’s allegedly defamatory statements regarding her rape accusation against him back in 2019. The trial, referred to as Carroll I, was initially put on hold as the Justice Department intervened to determine if Trump’s comments fell within his presidential duties. However, with the recent conclusion that his statements were not within the scope of his official duties, Carroll’s case is now focused solely on determining the amount of damages Trump owes.
Carroll’s previous victory in her first trial against Trump, Carroll II, resulted in a jury finding him liable for both sexual abuse and defamation. This success, along with the conclusion of the Justice Department, sets the stage for Carroll I.
E. Jean Carroll, the plaintiff in the case, gained fame as a writer offering advice to women on a variety of topics. Her career began with publications in Esquire, Rolling Stone, Playboy, and Outside magazine. She even had her column in Elle magazine, as well as her own cable TV talk show named Ask E. Jean. Carroll reached national prominence through her memoir, What Do We Need Men For?, where she disclosed her allegations of rape against Trump. Carroll’s transparency stems from her dedication to her readers and her desire to break free from the facade she felt she had been maintaining.
Judge Lewis Kaplan of the Southern District of New York is presiding over the defamation trial. Known for his no-nonsense approach, Kaplan has previously handled high-profile cases, including Sam Bankman-Fried’s crypto fraud trial, Kevin Spacey’s sexual assault trial, and Prince Andrew’s sex abuse case. Throughout the legal proceedings, Kaplan has shown little leniency towards Trump, denying his request for a new trial after being found liable for sexual abuse and defamation. Moreover, the judge has agreed with Carroll’s request to avoid re-litigating Trump’s culpability in this trial.
Trump’s legal representation is being led by Joe Tacopina, a prominent lawyer known for working with high-profile individuals, such as Meek Mill, ASAP Rocky, and Alex Rodriguez. Tacopina has been described as New York’s most hated lawyer and is known for his flashy style. Although he clashed frequently with Judge Kaplan during the previous trial, Tacopina withdrew an appeal of last year’s verdict a day before this year’s trial began.
Representing Carroll is attorney Roberta Kaplan, a renowned civil rights and commercial litigator hailed for her reasoned demeanor and practical approach. In addition to Carroll’s cases, Kaplan successfully argued the landmark Supreme Court case, Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage. She also represented Trump’s niece, Mary Trump, in a lawsuit alleging inheritance fraud. Kaplan has previously deposed Trump twice in two weeks for Carroll’s cases and has proven to be a worthy adversary in the courtroom.
As Carroll’s defamation trial against Trump commences, it is evident that the previous victory in the Carroll II trial has laid the groundwork for her pursuit of damages. Despite the arguments from Trump’s legal team, Carroll does not need to prove defamation once again. With all eyes on this high-stakes legal battle, the outcome will further test the accountability of public figures and their responsibilities towards survivors of sexual assault.
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