Attorneys representing former President Donald Trump appeared in a New York City federal appeals court on Friday to contest a $5 million verdict awarded to E. Jean Carroll, challenging the outcome of a defamation and sexual abuse case brought against their client.

The case centers around accusations made by Carroll, who alleged that Trump sexually assaulted her in a Manhattan department store in the mid-1990s and later defamed her by denying the allegations, with the former president vehemently fighting back against the verdict, as Fox News reports.

Hearing Attended by Trump Himself

Trump attended the hearing at the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, marking his involvement in the legal fight over the ruling.

During the hearing, both parties presented their arguments, but the proceedings were relatively brief. The judge concluded the session, stating, “We will take this case under advisement,” but did not provide a timeline for a ruling.

The case stems from a lawsuit filed by Carroll, a former columnist, who alleged that Trump raped her at the Bergdorf Goodman department store in Manhattan sometime in 1996. Carroll initially sought $12 million in damages when she filed the suit.

Trump Denies Allegations, Jury Finds Him Liable for Defamation

Trump has consistently denied Carroll’s allegations, stating he has “absolutely no idea who this woman is.” However, in 2022, a federal jury in New York City found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, though not for rape. The jury awarded Carroll $5 million in damages for the harm caused by Trump’s statements.

In addition to the sexual abuse allegations, Carroll filed a separate defamation suit. She claimed that Trump’s repeated denials of her allegations and attacks on her character further damaged her reputation.

Carroll Awarded Additional $83.3M in Defamation Suit

This year, the jury in Carroll’s defamation case determined that she was injured by statements Trump made in 2019 while he was still in office.

The jury concluded that Trump’s remarks were intended to harm Carroll’s reputation, and as a result, awarded her an additional $65 million in punitive damages. This sum, when combined with the compensation for reputational repair programs, totaled $83.3 million.

Trump’s legal team quickly appealed this ruling, requesting a new trial. However, the appeal was denied in April, leaving the former president to challenge the initial $5 million verdict in this most recent appeal.

Trump’s Attorneys Argue Evidence Was Mishandled

On Friday, Trump’s attorneys argued that the jury’s decision should be overturned, citing improper handling of evidence. According to Trump’s legal team, certain evidence was wrongfully admitted, while other critical pieces of evidence were excluded during the trial. They requested the court dismiss the verdict based on these procedural issues.

Despite these arguments, the court has yet to make a ruling on the matter. The judge’s statement that the case will be “taken under advisement” leaves the timeline for a decision uncertain, particularly as the presidential election approaches in November.

Carroll's Legal Battle with Trump Continues

Carroll’s legal battle against Trump has been ongoing for years, with the former president consistently denying her accusations. In addition to the two verdicts against Trump -- one for defamation and one for sexual abuse -- the court proceedings have become a focal point in the larger debate over the allegations.

As Trump continues to seek legal relief from the $5 million verdict and the $83.3 million in damages awarded in the defamation suit, the legal wrangling between him and Carroll shows no signs of slowing down.

No Ruling Expected Before Election

With the appeal still under consideration, it remains unclear when the court will issue its final ruling. Legal experts suggest that a decision on the matter is unlikely to come before the November presidential election, keeping the case in the public eye as Trump continues his campaign for another term in office.

Both Carroll and Trump are expected to remain engaged in legal proceedings for the foreseeable future, as the stakes of the case continue to escalate.

In conclusion, Donald Trump is appealing the $5 million verdict awarded to E. Jean Carroll after a jury found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation.

Trump’s legal team is challenging the ruling based on the mishandling of evidence, but no decision has been made yet. The case remains a prominent aspect of Trump’s ongoing legal battles, with no ruling expected before the November election.