Trump’s Disgust and Defamation Lawsuit
In a New York courtroom, Donald Trump shook his head in disgust as potential jurors were informed about the defamation trial filed by E. Jean Carroll.
The columnist accuses Trump of sexually assaulting her in 1996, and her legal team seeks $10 million in damages for Trump’s dismissal of her claims.
Dramatic Courtroom Exchange
Trump’s lawyer, Alina Habba, engaged in a dramatic exchange with Judge Lewis Kaplan, who refused to delay the trial.
As potential jurors were questioned about their political views, three individuals, including Trump himself, stood up, expressing agreement with the notion that Trump is treated unfairly by the court system.
Juror Selection Process and Anonymity
Potential jurors were instructed about the importance of candor in answering questions to ensure impartiality.
The judge emphasized their anonymity, assigning numbers for identification and implementing measures to protect them from unwanted attention.
The trial focuses on damages related to Trump’s statements after Carroll accused him of sexual assault.
Summary of the Case and Trump’s Disagreement
Judge Kaplan provided a case summary, stating that Carroll sued Trump over statements he made in 2019, denying her accusations and alleging she fabricated the story.
Trump, visibly in disagreement, has been found liable for defamation, and the trial specifically addresses the monetary damages Carroll may receive.
Carroll’s Allegations and Professional Harm
The judge highlighted that Carroll claims reputational and professional harm due to Trump’s false statements.
Despite Trump’s denial, the court determined he sexually assaulted Carroll, making false statements with reckless disregard.
Juror Questions and Political Affiliations
Potential jurors were asked about their political affiliations, with some expressing support for Trump and others contributing to Democratic campaigns.
Notably, a former PR worker for Ivanka Trump and a juror who attended a Trump rally were among those in the pool.
Extremist Affiliations and Capitol Riot Connections
Questions extended to potential jurors’ affiliations with extremist groups, with no connections to QAnon, Antifa, the Communist Party, or the Ku Klux Klan reported.
Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, garnered no user among the jurors. References to Trump’s criminal cases and questions about The Apprentice were raised.
MeToo Movement and Impartiality Concerns
The judge probed jurors about their sentiments towards the MeToo movement, dismissing those with strong opinions. Some jurors admitted difficulty remaining fair due to exposure to Trump’s criminal cases.
However, those familiar with The Apprentice asserted it wouldn’t impact their impartiality.
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