A federal jury in New York City found that former United States President Donald Trump sexually abused advice columnist E Jean Carroll and awarded more than USD 2 million in damages and an additional USD 3 million in damages for defamation.
The verdict for the first time legally brands a former US President as a sexual predator. However, as it was a civil case, Trump is facing financial penalties only.
"Today, the world finally knows the truth," Carroll said in a statement. "This victory is not just for me but for every woman who has suffered because she was not believed."
Trump slammed the verdict, insisting he is the subject of a witch hunt.
"This verdict is a disgrace – a continuation of the greatest witch hunt of all time," the former President, using all capital letters, posted on his Truth Social media platform.
"I have absolutely no idea who this woman is," he added in reference to E. Jean Carroll, who brought the lawsuit against him.
The jury deliberated for less than three hours. It did not find Trump raped Carroll, but did find him liable for sexual abuse as well as liable for defamation for calling the writer's accusations "a hoax and a lie".
Trump’s lawyer Joseph Tacopina told reporters outside the Manhattan federal courthouse that they would appeal the case “and … ultimately win”.
Trump looks likely to face criminal charges over attempts to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia, and is also the target of a federal investigation into his actions around the election, including his incitement of the US Capitol attack.
A federal special counsel is also investigating the stashing of secret documents at his Florida estate.