E. Jean Carroll and Donald J. Trump
Last updated: 19 November 2025
This page provides a factual, evidence-based summary of the allegations made by E. Jean Carroll against Donald J. Trump, along with the resulting civil litigation and court findings. All information is drawn from publicly accessible legal filings, court decisions, and reputable journalism. Allegations are not criminal convictions, and where courts have issued formal rulings, those outcomes are stated clearly.
Overview
Writer and columnist E. Jean Carroll publicly alleged in 2019 that Donald J. Trump sexually assaulted her in a dressing room at the Bergdorf Goodman department store in New York City during the mid-1990s. Trump denied the allegation, leading Carroll to file defamation claims. Two related civil cases proceeded in federal court, resulting in jury findings that Trump was liable for sexual abuse (as defined under New York law) and for defaming Carroll through statements that denied her account.
Across two federal trials, juries awarded Carroll a total of $88.3 million in damages. Trump appealed, but in September 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld the largest award. The decisions remain among the most significant civil findings involving Trump.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Alleged incident: Mid-1990s, Bergdorf Goodman, New York City
- May 9, 2023: Jury finds Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, awards $5 million
- January 26, 2024: Separate jury awards $83.3 million for defamation related to Trump’s 2019 statements
- March 8, 2024: Trump posts $91.6 million bond while appealing
- September 8, 2025: Second Circuit Court of Appeals affirms the $83.3 million judgment
Sources include Associated Press, Courthouse News, Reuters, PBS, and court dockets.
Detailed Timeline
Mid-1990s
Carroll alleges that Trump assaulted her inside a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room. No contemporaneous police report or legal filing occurred at the time.
2019: Public Allegation and First Defamation Suit (“Carroll I”)
Carroll publishes her account in a memoir excerpt. Trump publicly denies the allegation, calling it false. Carroll files a defamation claim in response to those denials.
November 2022: Second Suit Filed Under New York’s Adult Survivors Act (“Carroll II”)
The Adult Survivors Act temporarily reopened the statute of limitations for certain civil claims. Carroll files a second lawsuit alleging sexual battery and defamation.
May 9, 2023: First Federal Jury Verdict
A New York federal jury finds Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation. Carroll is awarded $5 million in damages.
January 26, 2024: Second Federal Jury Verdict
In a separate trial focused on Trump’s 2019 statements, a jury awards Carroll an additional $83.3 million in damages.
March 8, 2024: Appeal Bond Posted
Trump files an appeal and posts a $91.6 million bond as required to stay enforcement.
September 8, 2025: Appeal Affirmed
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upholds the $83.3 million defamation judgment.
Court Filings and Dockets
- SDNY Carroll II: Case No. 1:22-cv-10016
- Second Circuit Appeal: Case No. 24-644
- Carroll I: Original defamation suit filed in 2019
Public reporting and court records include:
- Associated Press: Coverage of the May 2023 verdict
- Courthouse News: Coverage of the January 2024 verdict
- Reuters: Reporting on Trump’s bond filing and appeal
- PBS and AP: Reporting on the September 2025 appellate decision
Responses and Statements
Donald J. Trump
Trump has repeatedly denied Carroll’s allegations and criticised the civil proceedings. His legal team has filed appeals, motions to stay enforcement, and public statements disputing the outcomes.
E. Jean Carroll
Carroll has maintained her account since 2019 and stated that the court decisions represent accountability for defamatory statements made about her.
Sources and Documentation
- Associated Press: Coverage of the May 2023 verdict
- Courthouse News: Coverage of the January 2024 verdict
- Reuters: Reporting on the appeal and bond
- PBS: Coverage of the Second Circuit ruling
- Court Dockets:
Disclaimer
This page summarises information from public records and reputable reporting. Civil findings are not equivalent to criminal convictions. Felonotus does not assert conclusions beyond what is established in court decisions or documented evidence.
Corrections
If you believe any information requires clarification or correction, please email admin@felonotus.com with relevant documentation.