The Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal from former President Donald Trump regarding a $5 million verdict in the civil case brought by author E. Jean Carroll. The verdict found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll, a finding that the Supreme Court's decision on Monday allows to stand.
In January 2024, a federal jury awarded Carroll $83.3 million in damages, adding to a previous $5 million award from a separate trial that found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll. Trump's appeal sought to overturn the initial $5 million judgment.
The Supreme Court's refusal to hear the case means the $5 million verdict remains in effect. The case has been a significant legal challenge for the former president, contributing to a complex web of ongoing legal proceedings.
The legal battle between Carroll and Trump began with her accusing him of sexual assault in the mid-1990s. While the jury did not find sufficient evidence of rape, they did conclude that Trump had sexually abused Carroll. The jury also found Trump liable for defamation for denying the accusation and continuing to attack Carroll's credibility.
Trump has consistently denied all allegations made by Carroll and has characterized the lawsuits as politically motivated.
The Supreme Court's decision not to review the appeal avoids a new judicial examination of the previous rulings, leaving the $5 million award as a finalized judgment against Trump in this specific aspect of the case.