Trump Denies Carroll’s Sexual Abuse Claims as Defamation Trial Nears Conclusion

By Jonathan Stempel and Luc Cohen

NEW YORK – Donald Trump’s appearance in E. Jean Carroll’s defamation case was brief, as the former U.S. president reaffirmed his earlier statements, claiming Carroll’s allegation of rape was a fabrication. When questioned by his attorney, Alina Habba, Trump responded affirmatively in federal court in Manhattan, confirming the accuracy of his October 2022 deposition remarks.

During the hearing, attorneys for Carroll presented video clips from that deposition in which Trump labeled the former Elle magazine advice columnist as "mentally sick" and a "whack job," even suggesting he might sue her. "It’s a false accusation, never happened, never would happen," Trump declared in the deposition.

Carroll, who is 80 years old, is pursuing at least $10 million in damages stemming from Trump’s denials in June 2019, when he claimed he did not rape her in the mid-1990s at a Bergdorf Goodman store dressing room in Manhattan. Trump further alleged that Carroll fabricated the story to promote her memoir.

In May, a different jury ordered Trump to pay Carroll $5 million for a similar denial made in October 2022, a decision he is currently appealing. Trump’s testimony lasted only about four minutes, as U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan, who has presided over both trials, stated he would not permit Trump to revisit conclusions from the previous jury’s findings. This jury had determined that Trump defamed Carroll and sexually assaulted her, findings that Judge Kaplan noted were applicable in the current trial.

Carroll’s legal battle has become intertwined with Trump’s campaign efforts as he aims to reclaim the presidency in the upcoming elections. The Republican frontrunner has been vocal about his disdain for Carroll, the judge, and the judicial process during campaign events and on social media.

Judge Kaplan largely disregarded Trump’s statements during his brief time on the witness stand, instructing the jury to ignore much of what he said. Trump admitted to denying Carroll’s rape claims publicly to defend himself, but when asked if he intended to harm her, he answered no. He expressed a desire to protect himself and his family, but this comment was also dismissed by the judge.

The trial, which has been ongoing for four days, is nearing closure with closing arguments expected soon. Before Trump took the stand, there were discussions among lawyers and the judge about the boundaries of his testimony, culminating in Trump’s claim that he did not know Carroll and had never met her. Judge Kaplan interrupted him, highlighting that his outbursts were disruptive.

The jury will focus solely on assessing the amount Trump should compensate Carroll for damage to her reputation, as well as potential punitive awards intended to prevent further defamatory statements.

To succeed in her claim, Carroll must establish her case with a preponderance of evidence. Last week, a damages expert testified on her behalf, estimating that the harm from Trump’s 2019 statements could be as high as $12.1 million. Trump’s legal team contended that any damages awarded should be minimal or non-existent, suggesting that Carroll has benefited from public attention.

Carol Martin, a former news anchor and close friend of Carroll, was the sole defense witness, with Trump’s lawyers seeking to demonstrate that Carroll embraced her notoriety. Martin admitted to previously using hyperbolic language in texts about Carroll but tried to clarify that her friend was simply adapting to a new life situation, asserting that Carroll’s desire was to have her story heard in court.

Earlier in the day, Carroll’s attorneys concluded their case, featuring testimony from former Elle Editor-in-Chief Robbie Myers, who spoke of Carroll as a "truth-teller" whose empathy and humor significantly contributed to the Elle brand.