Former President Donald Trump recently deposited a bond of over $91 million to appeal an $83 million judgment against him in a case brought by E. Jean Carroll, a writer who accused him of sexual abuse. This bond payment is equal to 110% of the judgment and was required to stay enforcement of the ruling while Trump appeals to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit. This decision came after a federal jury ruled in favor of Carroll for the second time, awarding her damages and finding Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation.
The verdict in Carroll’s second trial came just weeks before a New York judge ordered Trump to pay over $450 million for fraud, leading to financial turmoil for the former president. Trump’s attorney, Roberta Kaplan, declined to comment on the appeal, and a temporary stay to pause the judgment without requiring the bond was denied by U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan. Trump’s campaign spokesperson criticized this decision, calling it a “lawless witch hunt” and expressing a desire for vindication in the case.
During the January trial, Trump attended most of the proceedings and briefly testified in his own defense. However, he left the courthouse before the jury awarded Carroll $18.3 million in compensatory damages and $65 million in punitive damages. Carroll’s attorneys repeatedly referenced the previous verdict in May 2023, where Trump’s defamatory statements continued despite the ruling, asking the jury to fine him enough to “make him stop.” This tactic appears to have influenced the jury’s decision in Carroll’s favor.
The appeal process in this case marks a continuation of the legal battles Trump faces regarding allegations of sexual abuse and defamation. The bond payment and appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit indicate Trump’s commitment to challenging the judgment against him. The financial implications of these rulings have caused significant turmoil for the former president, adding to the legal challenges he is currently facing.
Overall, the ongoing legal proceedings involving E. Jean Carroll and Donald Trump highlight the complexities of defamation and sexual abuse cases involving high-profile individuals. The decision to appeal the judgment and post a significant bond reflects Trump’s determination to fight the accusations against him. As the case moves forward in the appellate court, the outcome will have far-reaching implications for both parties involved.
