The ongoing legal battle between E. Jean Carroll and former President Donald Trump continued on Friday, April 30th, as cross examination resumed in the defamation lawsuit brought by Carroll against Trump. Carroll, a journalist and advice columnist, alleges that Trump defamed her in 2019 when he denied her allegations that he sexually assaulted her in a department store dressing room in the 1990s.

The most recent development in the case occurred when Trump’s attorneys requested a mistrial after Judge Lewis A. Kaplan allowed Carroll’s lawyers to argue that Trump’s denials of her allegations were lies. Trump’s attorneys argued that this violated the rules of the case, which they said were limited to whether Trump’s statements had damaged Carroll’s reputation. However, Judge Kaplan rejected the mistrial request, stating that it was premature and that the issue could be revisited later.

With the mistrial request denied, cross examination of Carroll resumed on Friday. Trump’s attorneys questioned her about her interactions with various journalists, including Anderson Cooper and the New York Times, and about her motivations for writing about her alleged assault by Trump. Carroll maintained that she was telling the truth and that her motivation was to share her story with other women who had experienced similar trauma.

The case has attracted widespread attention and has implications beyond just the allegations made by Carroll. The lawsuit raises questions about the limits of presidential immunity and whether a sitting president can be sued for defamation. Additionally, it highlights the issue of sexual assault and harassment, particularly in the workplace and in positions of power. Carroll’s lawsuit represents a step forward in holding powerful individuals accountable for their actions and in providing a voice for survivors of sexual violence.

The case is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with further testimony and arguments from both sides. While it remains to be seen what the outcome will be, the proceedings thus far have shed light on important issues and have brought attention to the experiences of survivors of sexual violence.