Trump Faces Civil Lawsuit for Rape and Defamation: Trial Brings Attention to Issue of Sexual Assault in the Workplace
Former US President Donald Trump is facing a civil lawsuit in Manhattan federal court filed by writer E. Jean Carroll, who has accused him of rape and defamation.[0] Carroll alleges that Trump raped her in the mid-1990s in a Bergdorf Goodman department store dressing room, and then defamed her when he denied her claim by calling her allegations a “hoax” and a “lie”.[0] Trump's legal team has denied all of Carroll's claims.[1] The case has garnered widespread attention and has been ongoing since November 2019.
On Wednesday, the jury heard testimony from journalist Natasha Stoynoff, who accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in December 2005 at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.[2] Trump has denied Stoynoff's allegations.[3] The jury also saw clips of Trump's videotaped deposition in which he called Carroll's allegations “ridiculous” and “made up”.[4] Trump's attorney, Joe Tacopina, confirmed on Thursday that the defense would not be calling any witnesses.[1]
Despite Trump's legal team resting their case, the former president has left open the possibility of testifying in his own defense. US District Judge Lewis Kaplan gave Trump until Sunday evening to decide whether he would like to testify.[5] If Trump were to testify, his lawyers would need to file a motion to reopen the case for the sole purpose of testifying.[0] The judge clarified that he will not necessarily grant the motion, but he will consider it.
The case has brought renewed attention to the issue of sexual assault and harassment in the workplace, as well as the broader issue of how allegations of sexual misconduct are handled in the public sphere. The trial also highlights the power dynamics at play when a high-profile individual is accused of wrongdoing, and the ways in which the legal system can be used to hold such individuals accountable.
Regardless of the outcome of the trial, the case has already had significant implications for both Carroll and Trump. Carroll has been praised for her bravery in coming forward with her allegations, and for her willingness to pursue legal action against a powerful and influential individual. Trump, meanwhile, has faced renewed scrutiny over his past behavior towards women, and has been forced to defend himself against serious allegations of sexual assault.
0. “Judge gives Trump until Sunday to change his mind about testifying in his rape and defamation trial” Yahoo News, 4 May. 2023, https://news.yahoo.com/judge-gives-trump-until-sunday-to-change-his-mind-about-testifying-in-his-rape-and-defamation-trial-221420292.html
1. “Trump Denies E. Jean Carroll Rape Allegation in Video Deposition Played for Jurors” The Wall Street Journal, 3 May. 2023, https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-denies-e-jean-carroll-rape-allegation-in-video-deposition-played-for-jurors-fe9acc7b
2. “Natasha Stoynoff's Testimony Against Donald Trump Silences Defense” Newsweek, 4 May. 2023, https://www.newsweek.com/natasha-stoynoff-testimony-donald-trump-silences-defense-trial-carroll-1798242
3. “E Jean Carroll called her right after alleged Trump attack, says friend” BBC, 2 May. 2023, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65464961
4. “Trump motion to declare mistrial in E. Jean Carroll lawsuit denied” CBS News, 1 May. 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/e-jean-carroll-rape-lawsuit-donald-trump-lawyers-mistrial/
5. “Trump news – live: New accuser says Trump groped her at Melania interview as court hears Access Hollywood tape” The Independent, 4 May. 2023, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-jessica-leeds-e-jean-carroll-trial-updates-b2331470.html
