In a significant legal development, a federal judge has issued a ruling dismissing the request of former president Donald Trump for a new trial or revised damages in the defamation and battery case initiated against him by author E. Jean Carroll. This ruling effectively paves the way for Carroll to pursue the $5 million judgment that was previously awarded by a New York jury.

Carroll’s lawsuit accused Trump of engaging in sexual assault against her in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room several decades ago. Despite experiencing feelings of shame, she confided in only two trusted friends, both of whom provided testimonies during the trial. Trump, who was a prominent figure in real estate and celebrity circles at the time of the alleged incident, consistently discredited Carroll through Truth Social, and Trump would ultimately be found not guilty of raping Carroll, proving that at least part of her allegations were untrue.

U.S. District Court Judge Lewis A. Kaplan affirmed the jury’s decision, stating, “There is no basis for disturbing the jury’s sexual assault damages,” and found Trump’s arguments on defamation damages insufficient. Trump is currently appealing the verdict while Carroll’s attorney, Roberta Kaplan, commended the judge’s ruling.

The upcoming trial, scheduled for January, pertains to another lawsuit filed by Carroll. This lawsuit revolves around derogatory comments made by Trump in 2019 while he still held the office of the presidency, following the public disclosure of the assault allegations.