E. Jean Carroll Moves To Amend Suit Vs. Trump

Fresh off of her defamation victory in court where she was awarded $5 million in damages, and 12 days after the Malignant Loser's CNN "town hall" / rally, E. Jean Carroll took action yesterday to amend a separate, still- pending 2019 defamation suit against him for continuing to defame her.  From CNBC:

"Carroll now is seeking no less than $10 million from Trump in damages in her original lawsuit in light of what he said May 10 on CNN.

The move came as her lawyers asked a Manhattan federal court judge for permission to amend that first defamation lawsuit, which she lodged against Trump in 2019, to reflect his new statements on CNN about her, which they say also are defamatory.

'Trump's defamatory statements post-verdict show the depth of his malice toward Carroll since it is hard to imagine defamatory conduct that could possibly be more motivated by hatred, ill will, or spite,' the proposed amended complaint said.

'This conduct supports a very substantial punitive damages award in Carroll's favor both to punish Trump, to deter him from engaging in further defamation, and to deter others from doing the same,' the complaint said."  (our emphasis)

The Malignant Loser may believe he can stall and outrun the monetary judgements resulting from his sexual abuse and defamation of Carroll, since his depraved mouth keeps running up the "bill" for damages. But with the Malignant Loser's tactics well known to the court, the amended complaint (which references the more recent defamation suit) could move quickly with the amended request for $10 million in damages.

 

Carroll Attorney: Trump's Cruelty Will Cost Him

In an interview with Rachel Maddow last night with her client E. Jean Carroll, attorney Roberta Kaplan discussed the next steps to counter the Malignant Loser's renewed defamation of Carroll in his disgraceful CNN "town hall", despite being held liable for sexual abuse and defamation:

"So, it is definitely actionable. And here, the cruelty will make him less wealthy. He is not going to get away with it another time. It's unprecedented for a person to have been held liable in defamation to keep doing the defamation. So, there aren't a lot of cases we can look to for a playbook about how to do it but suffice it to say, I have a lot of lawyers [who are] very busy looking into this, and we are weighing all of our options. [snip]

....he is actually a very good defamation defendant if you are planning to sue for defamation because he lies all the time. He lies as a matter of habit. He lies about big things. He lies about small things. And in this case, we were able to show those lies not only about it being fake news and a hoax and made-up story but even when I showed him that famous photo where he mistook E. Jean for Marla Maples, when he realized he had made the mistake he then said, 'the photo is blurry.' The photo was not blurry, but it was classic Donald Trump. And I think the jury really heard that. They really absorbed it. That's why we got a verdict in two and a half hours."  (our emphasis)

He undoubtedly has more defamation actions coming, including from the mother / daughter 2020 election workers in Georgia, Shaye Moss and Ruby Freeman, whom he and his allies defamed and caused them to be threatened by his violent cult. As people that he's defamed and threatened over the years come forward to press their claims, we expect, as Roberta Kaplan says, "the cruelty will make him less wealthy."

(photo: CNN)

BREAKING: Trump Liable For Sexual Abuse And Defamation

 

After 3 hours of deliberation, a jury has found the Malignant Loser liable for sexual abuse and defamation in the civil suit filed by E. Jean Carroll.

Updates to come.

UPDATE:  From the NYT --

A Manhattan jury on Tuesday has found former President Donald J. Trump liable for the sexual abuse of the magazine writer E. Jean Carroll in a widely watched civil trial that sought to apply the accountability of the #MeToo era to a dominant political figure.

The federal jury of six men and three women also held Mr. Trump, 76, liable for defaming Ms. Carroll when he posted a statement on his Truth Social website in October, calling her case “a complete con job” and “a Hoax and a lie.”

Although more than a dozen women have accused Mr. Trump of sexual misconduct over the years, allegations he has always denied, Ms. Carroll’s case is the first such claim to be successfully tested before a jury.

Ms. Carroll has been awarded a total of $5 million in damages, $3 million for her defamation claim and $2 million for her civil battery claim.  Count on his dimwitted MAGAts to pony up for the damages.

UPDATE II:  More details --

• The jury decided that Ms. Carroll proved by a preponderance of the evidence that Mr. Trump sexually abused her, and that she was injured by a result of his conduct. The jury decided that $2 million would fairly and adequately compensate her for her injuries.

• The jury also decided that Mr. Trump should pay Ms. Carroll $20,000 in punitive damages because his conduct was “willfully or wantonly negligent, reckless, or done with a conscious disregard of the rights of Ms. Carroll, or was so reckless as to amount to such disregard.”

• The jury also found that Mr. Trump defamed Ms. Carroll and that she was injured as a result of his October 2022 Truth Social post. They decided that she should be paid $1 million for damages unrelated to a reputation repair program, and $1.7 million for a reputation repair program only.

• The jury also found that Mr. Trump “acted maliciously, out of hatred, ill will, spite, or wanton, reckless, or willful disregard of the rights of another” and that Ms. Carroll should be paid $280,000.

Trump Won't "Confront" Accuser After All

 

No surprise, he lied again. Saying that he would return to New York to confront E. Jean Carroll, the woman that he raped in 1996 in a department store dressing room, the Malignant Loser let a court deadline pass to file a request to testify. However, the Malignant Loser was present at the trial, in a sense. His deposition taken last October was played for the jury, and it's full of self-incriminating gems like only the Malignant Loser can create with his recklessly criminal and disordered mind. 

Closing arguments are scheduled for today, with jury deliberations beginning tomorrow. With the evidence against him, and no defense mounted by his lame, goombah attorney, it shouldn't take long for them to reach a guilty verdict.

BONUS: Highlights (and lowlights) from the closing arguments here.

 

Trump Offering No Defense In Rape Trial (UPDATED)

 

With E. Jean Carroll's defamation and rape case producing strong evidence against him, the Malignant Loser has decided not to call a single witness or put up a defense. In a civil case like this, the jury may infer that offering no defense suggests the defendant's guilt. Meanwhile, the sexual predator is trying to distract attention by visiting his golf properties in Scotland and Ireland, saying to a reporter "I hear we're doing very well in New York." If by "doing very well" he means "losing," then, yes, the Malignant Loser's goombah attorney Joseph Tacopina has been giving his client accurate information.

Over the past several days, the jury has heard not only Ms. Carroll's compelling testimony about the rape and what's happened to her since, but the testimony of two contemporary witnesses who said Carroll told them of the rape soon after it happened, two victims of sexual assault by the Malignant Loser, and a clinical psychologist who explained Ms. Carroll's reaction to the rape and aftermath as a normal trauma response, especially for someone of her generation. Her attorneys played the infamous "Access Hollywood" / "grab them by the pussy" tape, as well as portions of his deposition from last fall, including where he mistook a photo of Ms. Carroll for his second wife, Marla Maples, destroying his contention that Ms. Carroll wasn't his "type."

Closing arguments are expected to begin Monday, with Tacopina expected to continue to tear into Ms. Carroll's credibility. It's a pity that her attorneys won't be able to do the same to the Malignant Loser.

UPDATE:  The Malignant Loser now says he's coming back to New York to "confront" Carroll.  No doubt this will not take place in the courtroom where he would be put under oath and be cross- examined, but likely in front of a bank of cameras, where he would be free to lie his big ass off.

QOTD

 

“Donald Trump raped me.” --  E. Jean Carroll testifying yesterday at her civil suit trial against the Malignant Loser.  She's seeking unspecified monetary damages from the Malignant Loser, but no monetary compensation can make her whole again.  If only he could suffer commensurate pain and suffering.

E. Jean Carroll's Case Against Trump Goes To Trial

 

At long last, columnist E. Jean Carroll will get to tell her story in court as jury selection begins Tuesday for her civil case against the Malignant Loser for sexual assault in the 1990s, and defaming her for lying about it. While he's escaping a trial on criminal charges, the Malignant Loser, if found liable, would be tagged officially as a "rapist." As he makes his third run for President to obtain immunity from Federal prosecution, the Malignant Loser's predatory sexual history will be opened up once again in this trial. From The Guardian:

"The trial comes as Trump already faces criminal fraud charges over the payment of hush money to the porn star Stormy Daniels, and the prospect of looming federal and state prosecutions over attempts to fix the 2020 election, the January 6 storming of the Capitol and the hoarding of classified documents.

But Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University, said the case stands out even amid Trump’s myriad legal problems because it revives memories some of his most egregious behavior as he once again runs for president.

'One of the things that happened because of Trump’s election in 2016 was this collective outrage from women across the country for a whole host of reasons, but in many ways encapsulated by that video of him talking about grabbing women by their genitalia. There was this moment for many women who thought it would not be possible for someone caught saying that to ever become president of the United States. And then he was,' she said.

'This case brings all that up and in some ways adds to that outrage that women feel about him. He has been accused of this kind of behaviour so many times and he’s never been held accountable. This time it seems like he may in fact be held accountable.'” (our emphasis)

The judge in the case has already ruled that the jury may hear testimony from other victims whom he's assaulted, and can hear the infamous "Access Hollywood" recording again to establish a pattern of behavior. Being a pathological liar, the Malignant Loser's lawyers want to keep him off the witness stand at all cost, after his bizarre deposition last October. They concocted a risible excuse for why he's not appearing: too much stress on New York City's police and traffic control resources. 

In civil cases, the plaintiff merely needs to show that there is a preponderance of evidence in proving their case, i.e., what they claim is more likely than not. Ms. Carroll has a preponderance of evidence, and the Malignant Loser knows it.

 

Trump's Lawyer Wants To Keep Him From Testifying In Rape Trial

It's increasingly likely that the Malignant Loser will duck an appearance at the E. Jean Carroll rape and defamation case next week, if we can believe his thuggish lawyers. While claiming that the Malignant Loser wants to come to Manhattan to testify, his goombah lawyer Joseph Tacopina is telling the court that it would be too much of a logistical problem for the city:

"For Mr. Trump to appear at the federal courthouse, Mr. Tacopina told Judge Lewis A. Kaplan, his movements would need to be coordinated each day that he was present by a Secret Service advance team hours beforehand. The team would then develop a tactical plan. [snip]

Should Mr. Trump not appear in court, Mr. Tacopina said, he would ask that Judge Kaplan instruct the jury that while no litigant was required to appear at a civil trial, Mr. Trump’s absence, 'by design, avoids the logistical burdens that his presence, as the former president, would cause the courthouse and New York City.'”

They're desperate for their lying client to stay off the witness stand, so they've manufactured an excuse for him not to be there, while asking the judge to instruct the jury to accept that excuse. Earlier today, the judge denied that request. In civil trials, the jury may infer guilt if the defendant refuses to testify. An experienced trial lawyer writes at DailyKos:

"...without Trump testifying, his attorneys can try to discredit Ms. Carroll and her witnesses.  But, that is all.

In rebuttal, Ms. Carroll’s attorneys are entirely free argue to the jury that Trump’s absence is an admission of guilt. (The 5th amendment privilege against self-incrimination only applies in criminal cases.)  They can say 'If he didn’t do it, why isn’t he here testifying before you?  The reason he is not here is that if you heard him testify, you would know he is lying.'”  (our emphasis)

Either way, the Malignant Loser is on his way to a bad outcome in this case. 

Trump Loses Key Ruling In Rape Trial

Habitual criminal and sexual predator the Malignant Loser lost a motion in Federal District court yesterday when Judge Lewis Kaplan ruled that evidence that he sought to exclude would be accepted in E. Jean Carroll's civil rape trial. The trial is set for April 25 in New York City. From the Associated Press:

"Judge Lewis A. Kaplan in Manhattan ruled that key witnesses will be allowed to testify and misogynistic remarks Trump made about women in 2005 when he apparently didn’t realize he was being recorded can be played for a jury that will hear quarter-century-old rape allegations made by a former magazine columnist. [snip]

In an order Monday, Kaplan ruled specifically that he would allow the 'Access Hollywood' tape and testimony by two other women who say Trump attacked them sexually to be included in next month’s trial, repeating his rulings from the defamation case.

'There is no reason, and Mr. Trump has made no persuasive argument, for me to rule differently,' he wrote.

He also said he will allow testimony from two individuals who worked at the department store at the time of the alleged rape to testify, even though Trump’s lawyers objected, saying they hadn’t been notified in a timely fashion of the testimony and hadn’t had a chance to depose the witnesses.

The judge said lawyers for Carroll had notified them of the witnesses in a timely fashion." (our emphasis)

Carroll was able to bring rape charges under the temporary "Adult Survivors Law" which opened the window for adults to sue their attackers beyond the normal statute of limitations. While the Malignant Loser won't face jail time as it's a civil case, he faces financial penalties and the ugly mark of being a rapist if convicted.

(photos: José Luis Villegas and Seth Wenig/AP)

 

Trump Confuses His Rape Victim For Ex-Wife

Oops:

Former President Donald Trump confused E. Jean Carroll, the writer who has accused him of rape, with ex-wife Marla Maples in a photo he was shown during a deposition, newly unsealed court documents show.

An excerpt of the October deposition released by U.S. District Court for Southern New York on Wednesday includes an exchange in which Trump was asked by Carroll's lawyer about a black-and-white photograph that showed a small group of people, including Trump and Carroll.

"That's Marla, yeah. That's my wife," Trump said, referring to Maples.

Trump lawyer Alina Habba corrected the mistake, saying, "No, that's Carroll."

Trump's comments under oath threaten to undercut his repeated denials of Carroll's allegations, claiming she's "not my type."  [snip]

In the earlier excerpt, Trump denied the allegations and repeatedly insulted Carroll, calling her a “whack job” who’s “not my type."

The photo above is the one shown the Malignant Loser where he mistook Ms. Carroll for his second- wife- to- be Marla Maples (l. to. r., the Malignant Loser, Ms. Carroll, t.v. journalist John Johnson, and first wife Ivana Trump).

The Malignant Loser is proving once again that he's the worst client any attorney could possibly have, not to mention that he's a lying, sociopathic, self-incriminating serial sexual assaulter.  In fact, it seems that his "type" not only included Ms. Carroll, but 24 other women who've come forward alleging rape, sexual assault or sexual harassment; one could surmise there are more who haven't come forward for any number of reasons, including fear of reprisal from the litigious Malignant Loser.

That's the leader of the Republican/ Seditionist/ White Nationalist Party, ladies and gentlemen.

(Photo: via U.S. District Court in Manhattan)

Trump To Be Deposed In Carroll Case

 

Yesterday's ruling by Federal Judge Lewis Kaplan in the E. Jean Carroll defamation case means that the Malignant Loser will be deposed on October 19, barring any last minute games by the Malignant Loser. After claiming that the Malignant Loser raped her in the '90s in a Manhattan department store changing room, Carroll was defamed by the Malignant Loser as a liar. Judge Kaplan didn't mince words over the Malignant Loser's never-ending delay games to "run out the clock":

"Judge Lewis Kaplan said the lawsuit wasn’t over yet and as they wait for a federal appeals court to rule on a key element of the case, 'completing those depositions – which have already been delayed for years – would impose no undue burden on Mr. Trump, let alone any irreparable injury.'

'The defendant should not be permitted to run the clock out on plaintiff’s attempt to gain a remedy for what allegedly was a serious wrong,' Kaplan wrote.

The judge said that Carroll would face 'substantial injury' from further delay, citing the lengthy appeal process, which has already taken 20 months and is still not over, and the ages of Carroll and Trump, who are both in their 70s. Carroll’s deposition is scheduled for this Friday.

Kaplan noted Trump’s efforts to delay the lawsuit and said his production of 'virtually' no documents was 'inexcusable.'”  (our emphasis)

It's expected that the Malignant Loser will rely on the Fifth Amendment to dodge questions during the deposition. In civil cases, juries may infer guilt when the subject invokes the Fifth Amendment.

A law passed by New York State in May, the Adult Survivors Act, allows Carroll to file a separate civil suit against the Malignant Loser related to the rape itself, even though the statute of limitations has passed for a criminal charge. It's reported that Carroll will file that suit on November 24, and ask the court to consolidate it with the defamation suit, which is scheduled for trial in February 2023. The court will likely require the Malignant Loser to provide a DNA sample for that suit. Stay tuned.

 

Your Tax Dollars At Work: DOJ Defending Trump In Defamation Lawsuit

William "Low" Barr, consigliere for crime family boss Donald "Individual 1" Trump, is now using your tax dollars to defend his boss in a defamation suit:

The Justice Department moved on Tuesday to replace President Trump’s private legal team with government lawyers to defend him against a defamation lawsuit by the author E. Jean Carroll, who has accused him of raping her in a Manhattan department store in the 1990s.

In a highly unusual legal move, lawyers for the Justice Department said in court papers that Mr. Trump was acting in his official capacity as president when he denied ever knowing Ms. Carroll and thus could be defended by government lawyers — in effect underwritten by taxpayer money.

Though the law gives employees of the federal government immunity from most defamation lawsuits, legal experts said it has rarely, if ever, been used before to protect a president, especially for actions taken before he entered office.  [snip]

In her suit, Ms. Carroll accused Mr. Trump of defaming her by publicly stating in an interview with The Hill newspaper in June 2019 in the Oval Office that the assault never happened and that he could not have raped her because she was “not my type.” Mr. Trump, according to Ms. Carroll’s suit, also issued an official statement that same month saying she was lying about the alleged assault.

A federal judge will have to decide whether to grant DOJ's request to make the U.S. Government, rather than Trump, the defendant in the case.  Collecting damages in a case against the government rather than Trump, private predator, is also much more difficult.

So we see the classic Trump lawsuit tactic of stall, delay, and stall some more now being underwritten by your tax dollars, facilitated by the odious Low Barr.  Worse, the suit is one of the few brought by one of Trump's sexual assault victims (more than a dozen), a courageous act by E. Jean Carroll, who Trump and Low Barr are further abusing by this delaying tactic.  It also raises the issue of Trump evading justice in a state court where he can't wangle a pardon if found guilty.

How's that make you feel about justice in Trumpworld?

BONUS:  Lots of outrage being expressed. A tiny sample --

This is, putting it mildly, an insane position for DOJ. They are doing everything they can to appear to be Trump’s personal law firm. Its the opposite of the way the Department of Justice is supposed to behave. https://t.co/4Ma3ZhmDLe

— Neal Katyal (@neal_katyal) September 8, 2020

 

So now Barr has decided (1) that Trump somehow was acting *in his official capacity as president* when he called E. Jean Carroll a liar for accusing him of sexual assault, and (2) taxpayers should foot the bill for Trump’s defense.

Another utter debasement of DOJ by Barr.

— Elie Honig (@eliehonig) September 8, 2020

 
(Photo: Carroll and her rapist; Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Glamour/Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)