A jury rules that Trump must reimburse E. Jean Carroll for almost $83 million in defamation damages

A federal court jury in New York concluded on Friday that former President Donald Trump is obligated to compensate writer E. Jean Carroll with over $83 million in damages for repeatedly disparaging her.

Deliberations by the nine-member jury commenced at 1:40 p.m. ET and concluded in just under three hours, resulting in the verdict.

The awarded sum encompasses $11 million for harm inflicted on Carroll's reputation, $7.3 million for emotional distress and additional damages, along with $65 million in punitive damages.

The verdict followed heated closing arguments during which Trump abruptly exited the courtroom. Although he returned for the closing arguments presented by his own attorney, he left the courthouse by 4 p.m., before the jury reached its decision.

Shortly afterward, he addressed the matter on his social media platform, Truth Social, expressing his discontent: "Absolutely ridiculous!" he penned, announcing his intention to appeal and alleging a violation of First Amendment rights. "They have taken away all First Amendment Rights. THIS IS NOT AMERICA!"

Trump's attorney, Alina Habba, voiced disapproval of the verdict to reporters, describing it as "reeking" and characterizing the case as "a violation of our justice system."