Jury Finds Former President Donald Trump Liable for Battery and Defamation in Civil Trial Stemming from Rape Allegations

A federal jury in New York has found former President Donald Trump liable for battery and defamation in a civil trial stemming from allegations he raped writer E. Jean Carroll in a department store dressing room in the mid-1990s.

The nine-person jury, consisting of six men and three women, found Trump had defamed Carroll by calling her claims a “hoax” and “a con job.” The jury also found that Carroll had proven “by a preponderance of the evidence” that “Mr. Trump sexually abused Ms. Carroll,” awarding her $5 million in damages for her battery and defamation claims.

The trial, which lasted eight days, included testimony from witnesses who said Trump had a pattern of sexual misconduct. Attorneys for Carroll argued that her allegations fit this pattern, or “modus operandi,” for Trump.

The jury was asked on their verdict sheet if Carroll had proven “by a preponderance of the evidence” that “Mr. Trump raped Ms. Carroll.” The jury checked the box that said “no.”

The case is the first of its kind to go to trial against Trump, who was President of the United States at the time of the alleged assault. The verdict is a significant victory for Carroll and other women who have accused Trump of sexual misconduct.