NY appellate court rejects Trump’s appeal in E. Jean Carroll sexual abuse case

An appellate court in New York has rejected President Donald Trump’s attempt to overturn a jury’s decision that he sexually abused and defamed former Elle columnist E. Jean Carroll. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit declined to hear Trump’s arguments, leaving the Supreme Court as his final option for relief in the long-standing case. Carroll made headlines in 2019 when she accused Trump of raping her in a dressing room thirty years ago.

Trump’s appeal challenged the evidence presented by Carroll’s legal team, including the Access Hollywood tape that came to light during the 2016 presidential campaign. Two judges appointed by Trump dissented, stating that the tape did not provide relevant context to Carroll’s claims and should not have been admissible as evidence in court.

Carroll filed two lawsuits against Trump, one in 2022 where a jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, awarding Carroll $5 million. A separate lawsuit brought by Carroll after the release of her book resulted in a jury awarding her $83 million for defamation. Trump has denied all allegations and is appealing both verdicts.

The contentious legal battle between Carroll and Trump has been ongoing for years, with both parties vehemently defending their positions. The latest decision by the appellate court upholds the jury’s ruling against Trump, signaling a potential escalation of the case to the Supreme Court.

For more updates on this case and other legal matters, stay tuned to Fox News Digital and FOX Business. Email story tips to ashley.oliver@fox.com.