Before former President Donald Trump testified in his defamation trial with E. Jean Carroll, the judge informed the jury that the ex-president was accused of sexually abusing her, as reported by Mediaite.
Following a brief recess, Judge Lewis Kaplan inquired with Alina Habba, Trump’s attorney, about the possibility of presenting additional witnesses. Upon learning that the former president intended to testify, Kaplan intervened to make a significant statement.
He addressed the prior trial’s proceedings, where Mr. Trump was listed as a witness but did not testify. Judge Kaplan underscored the trial’s conclusion, emphasizing that the jury had ruled in favor of Ms. Carroll. He pointed out the legal principle of issue preclusion or collateral estoppel, indicating that there are no opportunities for a second trial on the same matter. This information was relayed by journalist Matthew Russell.
Kaplan further stated, “The jury determined that Mr. Trump inserted his fingers into her vagina, affirming that Ms. Carroll’s claim was not fabricated. They also deemed Mr. Trump’s statements on June 11 and June 22 as defamatory. It’s crucial to note that Mr. Trump is precluded from contesting these findings.”
Last year, a jury found Trump liable for sexually assaulting Carroll in a department store back in the 1990s. Moreover, Kaplan previously found Trump’s 2019 comments calling Carroll a liar defamatory, so the trial is focused only on what damages Carroll will receive from Trump.
In the prior defamation case where Trump was found liable for sexual abuse, Carroll was awarded $5 million.
