Writer sues former President Trump for defamation, alleges battery and rape

Former President Donald Trump has been sued for defamation a second time on Thursday by a writer who has accused him of lying about the fact he raped her 27 years ago.

Former Elle Magazine writer E. Jean Carroll filed the complaint in Manhattan federal court, where she also accused Trump of battery in an alleged encounter at the Bergdorf Goodman department store in Manhattan.

Carroll, 78, brought the battery claim under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, which is a new law that grants sexual assault victims a one-year window to sue their alleged abusers even if the incident took place well some time ago and the statues of limitations have long since expired.

Trump, 76, has consistently denied both raping Carroll or even knowing her at the time of the alleged incident he also said that she’s “not my type.”

As reported by The Irish Times, Trump initially denied the claims in June 2019, which later led Carroll to sue him for defamation. Trump again denied the claims in October, calling the allegations a “hoax” and “lie.” This prompted Carroll to announce a new defamation claim.

Carroll’s lawsuit is seeking unspecified damages, saying that Trump’s alleged actions have caused her long-term psychological harm and she has been unable to maintain a romantic relationship ever since.

The trial date for the first lawsuit has been set for February 6, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan in Manhattan, however this could be delayed by the appeals process.

At a Tuesday hearing, Carroll’s lawyer requested an April 10 trial date which would deal with both lawsuits.

However, Trump’s lawyer Alina Habba requested a trial date of May 8th for the first lawsuit only, saying that Trump had not yet hired a lawyer for the 2nd lawsuit.

“Your client in the present action, Ms. Habba, has known this was coming for months, and he would be well-advised to decide who is representing him in it,” the judge said in response. Judge Kaplan said he will decide on a trial date soon.