E. Jean Carroll’s Legal Victory and $5.6 Million Payment
Background of E. Jean Carroll’s Legal Case
E. Jean Carroll, a noted journalist, author, and former advice columnist for Elle, received more than $5.6 million following a civil verdict in her favor against Donald Trump. The case focused on Trump’s liability for sexual abuse and defamation.
Carroll initially accused Trump of assault in a Manhattan department store dressing room in the mid-1990s. Trump denied the allegations and claimed no association with Carroll. Her accusation surfaced publicly in 2019, leading to lengthy legal proceedings.
Details of the Legal Proceedings
Carroll’s lawsuit comprised claims of sexual abuse and defamation. In May 2023, a federal jury held Trump responsible for sexually abusing Carroll and defaming her after her public accusation. Carroll was awarded $5 million in damages. However, Trump was not found liable for rape under New York law, only sexual abuse.
A separate defamation case ended in January 2024, awarding Carroll $83.3 million due to Trump’s continued defamatory remarks. Trump attempted to appeal both verdicts without success.
The $5.6 Million Payment
The payment to Carroll addressed the initial jury decision from 2023. Court records indicated a total of $5,625,005.48, inclusive of interest accrued throughout the appeals process. This payment followed the Supreme Court’s refusal to intervene and lower courts’ support of the original verdict.
Carroll remarked, “The Eagle has landed,” upon receiving the funds. Her attorney, Roberta Kaplan, hailed the payment as the conclusion of a long-standing effort to enforce the jury’s decision.
Role of Alina Habba
Alina Habba, a New Jersey attorney, prominently defended Trump in Carroll’s civil litigation among other high-profile cases. She served as a visible representative of Trump’s legal team, appearing in courts and on television.
Despite her contributions, Carroll’s Substack post extended a tongue-in-cheek gratitude to Habba, humorously acknowledging her role in the litigation that culminated in judgments favorable to Carroll.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Rebecca Flood and Emma Lee-Sang
Update 07/15/26, 03:35 a.m. ET: This story was updated with additional information.
Correction 7/15/26, 3:57 a.m. ET: This story was updated to correct the spelling of E. Jean Carroll’s name in the headline.