New York, NY — The courtroom drama unfolded on Wednesday as writer E. Jean Carroll took the stand in a Manhattan federal court, testifying against former President Donald Trump in the ongoing defamation trial. Carroll, who accused Trump of sexual abuse in 1996, has alleged that the former president’s vehement denials damaged her reputation.
The trial took a heated turn when Carroll’s lawyer, Shawn Crowley, informed Judge Lewis A. Kaplan that Trump was audibly expressing falsehoods and grumbling loudly to his attorneys during the testimony. Among Trump’s comments were accusations that Carroll was lying about the assault and had suddenly “gotten her memory back.” Concerns were raised that if Carroll’s legal team could hear Trump, the jury might also be influenced.
In response to the disruption, Judge Kaplan warned Trump to keep his voice down during consultations with his attorneys to ensure the jury would not be influenced by his remarks. Earlier, during a break without the jury present, Trump slammed his hand on the defense table in frustration when the judge denied his request to suspend the trial on Thursday for him to attend his mother-in-law’s funeral in Florida.
Carroll, 80, was the first witness in the trial aimed at determining any damages Trump may owe her for statements made during his presidency in 2019. The jury from the previous year already found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll in 1996 and defaming her in 2022.
Carroll’s testimony was a delicate balance due to the judge’s restrictions on introducing political elements into the trial. Attorney Alina Habba raised objections to prevent the jury from hearing explicit details of Carroll’s sexual assault allegations.
“I’ve paid just about as dearly as it’s possible to pay,” Carroll stated, referencing the damage she claims Trump caused to her reputation. She highlighted Trump’s continued vitriol towards her, citing recent social media posts that she believes inspire venom from strangers.
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The courtroom tension escalated during a confrontation between Habba and Judge Kaplan over the judge’s refusal to adjourn the trial for Trump’s attendance at the funeral for Melania Trump’s mother, Amalija Knavs. Trump’s frustration culminated in a desk slam, prompting Habba to label the ruling as “insanely prejudicial.”
Carroll recounted the impact of Trump’s actions on her life, claiming that she had gone from being a respected advice columnist to being known as a “liar, fraud, and whack job.” She asserted that Trump’s denial of the assault and subsequent attacks on her character had cost her millions of readers and her long-standing position at Elle magazine.
Trump, who is currently campaigning and attending court appearances simultaneously, has maintained his innocence. He characterized the trial on social media as “fabricated lies and political shenanigans,” alleging an attempted extortion against him.
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The trial focuses on determining additional damages, if any, for Trump’s remarks in 2019. Carroll is seeking $10 million in compensatory damages and additional punitive damages. The case continues to draw attention as the former president juggles legal battles with his political ambitions.