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E. Jean Carroll v. Donald Trump
The Story
A jury found former President Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation.
Tell me more.
Yesterday, a federal jury in Manhattan unanimously found Trump sexually abused author and advice columnist E. Jean Carroll in a department store dressing room in the '90s. The jury of six men and three women did not determine Trump raped Carroll — allegations she's long maintained. However, they agreed that Trump defamed her by denying Carroll's accusations as "a hoax and a lie." Now, after a two-week trial and about three hours of deliberation, the jury's ordered Trump to pay Carroll $5 million in damages for psychological harm, pain and suffering, and ruining her reputation.
How did the jury reach their decision?
Since this was a civil trial, Carroll's legal team didn't have to prove "beyond a reasonable doubt" that Trump sexually abused the author. Instead, they had to provide evidence the former president more likely than not sexually abused Carroll, and that he acted with "actual malice" when he denied her accusations. During the trial, Carroll testified over the course of three days — detailing her alleged rape. Her legal team brought forward 10 witnesses, presented the infamous "Access Hollywood" tape, and showed evidence that she was "exactly his type." Meanwhile, Trump didn't testify, and his legal team maintained that Carroll's claim is "unbelievable."
What's next?
Trump is expected to appeal the jury's verdict. In a post on Truth Social, the former president called the decision "a continuation of the greatest witch hunt of all time." It's also worth noting the jury's decision won't affect Trump's ability to run for president. Regardless of an appeal, Carroll's earlier defamation lawsuit against Trump could bring both parties to the courtroom again. After the verdict, the author released a statement saying her goal was to clear her name and that her victory is "for every woman who has suffered because she was not believed."
theSkimm
Over the years, more than a dozen women have accused Trump of sexual misconduct. Now, in a win for the #MeToo movement, Trump's being held legally responsible for sexual assault the first time in a civil case. It comes as the former president faces at least three other investigations amid his 2024 presidential campaign.
Rep. George Santos (R-NY). Yesterday, the Justice Dept reportedly filed criminal charges against the freshman congressman. The charges were not announced. Since December, Santos has been at the center of several domestic, international, and House Ethics investigations. He's admitted to lying about his education, past jobs, and family background — prompting bipartisan calls for his resignation. He is also facing allegations of sexual assault. However, Santos has maintained he hasn't done anything illegal. Now, investigators in New York and Washington are reportedly looking into his campaign finances. Santos could appear in federal court as early as today. The NY lawmaker told the Associated Press that the potential charges are "news to him." The DOJ has yet to comment. If you're wondering, the charges alone won't keep Santos from serving in Congress.
What could be seeing changes…
Mammogram guidelines. Yesterday, an independent group of health experts suggested that women get regular mammograms at 40 instead of 50 and older. The draft proposal comes as new research has found a 2% annual increase in breast cancer diagnoses for women in their 40s since 2015. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women in the US — with Black women 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. Now, the guidelines mimic some other medical groups who've already suggested the changes, including The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Where there's growing unrest...
Pakistan. Yesterday, paramilitary troops arrested former Prime Minister Imran Khan for alleged corruption. Last year, Parliament ousted the former cricket player turned politician in a no-confidence vote. Since then, Khan's been vocal against the country's military and has called for new elections. Now, officials claim Khan illegally bought land from a business tycoon during his tenure as PM, which led to the country's treasury losing millions of dollars. Khan — who's remained popular among his many supporters — called the arrest politically motivated and called for protests. Violent clashes between Khan supporters and security forces have broken out across the county. It comes as the country's already dealing with an economic crisis.
Who's saying the 'show must go on'…
Tucker Carlson. Yesterday, the former Fox News host announced on Twitter that he's bringing a new show to the platform. It comes two weeks after Fox News gave him the boot after 14 years. Carlson's primetime show was one of the most successful airings on the network — bringing in more than 3 million viewers a night. Since their separation, Fox News' ratings have seen a 56% drop. Now, Carlson says he's taking his show to one of the only platforms "left that allow free speech." Fox News has not responded and it's unclear if things will get murky under a non-compete.
We asked J. Smith-Cameron all your "Succession" burning questions, like who should succeed Logan Roy. Plus, some advice to women in the workplace and her top karaoke picks. Watch it here.
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Honey and Soul…Hannah, Cleo, and Danica (VT). They released their first studio album, Lady King, which dives into emotional values like vulnerability.
