Donald Trump's Sexual Abuse Liability Verdict Explained

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By William Kennedy/Updated: May 9, 2023 4:52 pm EST

On May 9, 2023, a New York jury found Donald Trump liable for sex abuse and defamation in a civil case, The New York Times reports. Those charges were brought against the former president by writer E. Jean Carroll, who alleged that Trump raped her in a Bergdorf Goodman department store in 1996. According to Carroll, he defamed her regarding those allegations on social media, CNN writes.

Trump has denied all of Carroll's allegations. On his social media platform, Truth Social, he called Carroll's case a "hoax," "lie," and "con job." In their verdict, the New York jury ruled that Trump must pay $2 million in damages related to civil battery and $3 million in damages for defamation. Notably, the jury did rule the evidence presented by the prosecution substantiated sex abuse charges but did not find Trump liable for rape. In New York state, sex abuse (via FindLaw) is defined as "subjecting another person to sexual contact without the latter's consent."

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

The statute of limitations ran out

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In New York, the statute of limitations on the charges E. Jean Carroll (pictured) brought against former President Donald Trump had run out, and if not for New York Adult Survivors Act, only passed in May 2022, her civil case may not have been heard. Carroll sued Trump for defamation in 2019, but that case is stalled in federal court relating to Trump's status as president at that time, NPR reports. In her civil case hearing, Carroll testified her 1996 encounter with Trump affected her personal relationships, and his social media posts had an impact on her career.

Importantly, in civil cases evidence presented need not prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt — as in a criminal trial — but instead prove liability by "a preponderance of the evidence." After the verdict was read, Trump posted on Truth Social (via NPR), "I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA WHO THIS WOMAN IS. THIS VERDICT IS A DISGRACE — A CONTINUATION OF THE GREATEST WITCH HUNT OF ALL TIME! [sic]." He did not testify in his own defense. In her testimony, Carroll said, "I am here because Donald Trump raped me, and when I wrote about it, he said it didn't happen. He lied and shattered my reputation, and I am here to try to get my life back."