**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**E. Jean Carroll Case: Civil Judgment Affirmed in Federal Appeals Court, Defamation Damages Stand**
**LOCATION:** New York, NY
**DATE:** [Current Date]
**SUBJECT:** Legal Proceedings / Defamation
**EVENT:**
The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has issued a ruling in the ongoing civil case between writer E. Jean Carroll and former President Donald J. Trump. The court upheld a lower court's judgment, affirming the jury's finding that Mr. Trump was liable for defamation and sexual abuse.
**DETAILS:**
According to the official opinion filed today, a three-judge panel unanimously rejected Mr. Trump's appeal. The ruling affirms the jury's determination that Mr. Trump defamed Ms. Carroll in 2019 by denying her allegation of sexual assault, which the court found to have been made with actual malice. The ruling also upholds the previous award of $5 million in damages for Ms. Carroll, which includes compensatory and punitive damages.
**REASON/CAUSE:**
The appellate panel based its decision on the legal standard of "actual malice," concluding the evidence presented at trial was sufficient to show Mr. Trump made his statements knowing they were false or with reckless disregard for the truth. The court further ruled that the trial judge did not err in admitting certain evidence or in instructing the jury.
**SIGNIFICANCE:**
This decision represents a final affirmation of the civil verdict, removing a key legal challenge and concluding this phase of litigation. Ms. Carroll has previously stated she felt vindicated by the original verdict. Legal analysts note the ruling reinforces the high bar required to overturn jury verdicts in defamation cases involving public figures. No further court proceedings are scheduled in this matter.