Following a jury's decision to hold him liable for sexual abuse and defamation, former President Donald Trump has launched a countersuit against E. Jean Carroll, alleging defamation. The lawsuit claims Carroll "falsely" accused him of rape on numerous occasions, causing substantial damage to his reputation and resulting in significant financial losses. Trump's legal team asserts that the jury's verdict, which did not find him liable for rape but did find him liable for sexual abuse, demonstrates that the rape allegation was unfounded.
Trump's lawyers are seeking a retraction of Carroll's statements, dismissal of her claims for damages, and compensatory and punitive damages for Trump, along with legal fees. They argue that Carroll's repeated accusations have significantly harmed Trump's standing. Carroll, aged 79, initially alleged that Trump raped her at Bergdorf Goodman in Manhattan in 1996. She claimed a chance encounter led to Trump requesting her advice on a gift, after which he assaulted her in a dressing room. Trump has consistently denied these allegations, maintaining that he doesn't know Carroll and characterizing the situation as a politically motivated "witch hunt."
The recent jury verdict ordered Trump to pay $5 million in damages. He has stated his intention to appeal the decision. A second defamation lawsuit filed by Carroll against Trump is scheduled for trial early next year.
