Former US president Donald Trump has agreed to pay $1.5 million to settle the remaining defamation claim brought by writer E. Jean Carroll, who accused him of raping her in a Manhattan department store dressing room in the mid-1990s. The settlement, announced on Tuesday, brings an end to years of litigation that had already resulted in two jury verdicts against Trump.
Background of the Case
Carroll, a former Elle magazine columnist, first went public with her allegations in a 2019 memoir. Trump denied the claims and accused Carroll of lying, prompting her to file a defamation lawsuit. In May 2023, a federal jury in New York found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, awarding Carroll $5 million in damages. A second trial in January 2024 resulted in an additional $83.3 million award for defamation, after Trump continued to make disparaging remarks about Carroll on social media and in campaign rallies.
Details of the Settlement
The $1.5 million settlement resolves the remaining defamation claim that was part of the original lawsuit. According to court documents, Trump will pay the sum from a trust account. The agreement also includes a provision that Trump will not appeal the previous verdicts. Carroll's attorney, Roberta Kaplan, said in a statement: "This settlement brings a measure of closure and accountability. Ms. Carroll has shown extraordinary courage throughout this ordeal." Trump's legal team declined to comment on the settlement, but sources close to the former president indicated that he wanted to avoid further legal costs and distractions as he campaigns for the 2024 Republican nomination.
Impact and Reactions
The settlement is a significant legal victory for Carroll, who has faced years of harassment and threats from Trump supporters. It also marks one of the few instances where Trump has been held financially accountable for his actions. Legal experts note that the settlement amount, while substantial, is a fraction of the $88.3 million total awarded by juries. However, with interest and legal fees, the total payout could be higher. Carroll said in a brief statement: "I am relieved to finally put this behind me. No amount of money can undo the harm, but this verdict sends a message that no one is above the law." The case has broader implications for defamation law and the accountability of public figures.
