Sky News interrupted its teatime broadcast on Monday (June 29) to deliver a bombshell update on Donald Trump's legal battle. Broadcaster Jayne Secker announced that the US Supreme Court had declined to hear the president's appeal against a $5 million verdict finding him liable for sexually abusing and defaming magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll.
Supreme Court Declines to Hear Trump's Appeal
The Supreme Court's decision means the 2023 jury verdict against Trump stands. The court refused to consider Trump's argument that the trial was unfair. Secker told viewers: 'The US Supreme Court has declined to hear President Trump's bid to overturn a court verdict. This was a verdict which was in favour of a lady called E. Jean Carroll, and in the case the jury found him liable for sexually abusing the former magazine columnist and then defaming her.'
Background of the Case
Carroll, a former advice columnist for Elle magazine, alleged that Trump raped her in the dressing room of a Manhattan department store in 1996. Trump has vehemently denied the claims. The 2023 jury found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation, awarding Carroll $5 million in damages. Trump appealed, arguing the trial was unfair, but the Supreme Court has now rejected his bid.
Impact and Reactions
The news broke during Sky News's teatime show, halting the programme minutes in. The broadcaster shared the update on social media, stating: 'BREAKING: Donald Trump's appeal to overturn a $5m verdict finding him liable for sexually abusing and defaming magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll has been declined by the US Supreme Court.' The president has yet to comment publicly on the ruling. This is a developing story, and further updates are expected.
