Trump accuser E. Jean Carroll's recent win in court, securing $83 million in damages from Donald Trump for defamation, marked a significant moment in Carroll's social life, apparently.
Carroll was spotted at a swanky NYC bar celebrating her precipitous win over former President Donald Trump and hobnobbing with the who's who of media and politics in the city.
The Flower Shop bar, known for its cozy ambiance and vibrant nightlife, became the epicenter of this celebration. The event was not just any gathering but a media party hosted by notable figures: MSNBC contributor Molly Jong-Fast and Rolling Stone editor-in-chief Noah Shachtman.
The guest list read like a who's who of the media world, including MSNBC host Lawrence O’Donnell, “Studio 360” host Kurt Andersen, and former “SNL” producer Marci Klein.
Among the attendees were Puck columnist Tara Palmeri, New York Times opinion writer Lydia Polgreen, and Washington Post scribe Sarah Ellison. Each was drawn to the event by the gravity of Carroll's victory -- not to mention the multi-million dollar payout.
Carroll, described by guests as an "icon," was undoubtedly the star of the bash.
Her presence elicited a wave of admiration, with many eager to capture a moment with her through selfies.
She was not alone in her celebration; Lisa Birnbach, a longtime friend and author of “The Official Preppy Handbook,” stood by her side. Birnbach's support extended beyond friendship, as she played a crucial role in the trial by testifying on Carroll’s behalf, sharing a poignant account from 1996 regarding Trump's alleged assault.
The atmosphere was described by witnesses as jubilant, with Carroll herself appearing "delighted and vindicated."
The judgment awarded to Carroll was broken down into $65 million in punitive damages, $11 million for reputational damages, and $7.3 million for emotional damages.
This came after a previous jury verdict that ordered Trump to pay $5 million to Carroll, having found him guilty of assault but clearing him of a rape claim. Judge Lewis Kaplan played a pivotal role, stating Carroll's testimony that Trump "raped" her was "substantially true" within current understandings of rape.
Trump's reaction to the verdict was of complete disagreement, taking to his social media platform to denounce the decision as a "Biden Directed Witch Hunt." His plans to appeal the verdict underscore the ongoing battle Carroll and her supporters face, even in victory.
Carroll's jest during an interview with MSNBC anchor Rachel Maddow about using the judgment money for shopping and extravagant purchases highlighted her smug and flippant view of the win over Trump.
Here is what Carroll said about her plans post-victory:
First thing, Rachel, you and I are going to go shopping… We’re going to get completely new wardrobes, new shoes. What do you want? Penthouse? It’s yours, Rachel… Do you want France? You want to go fishing in France?
Megyn Kelly critiqued Carroll's remarks about the lawsuit windfall, suggesting such statements could inadvertently influence political outcomes. Kelly's critique points to the delicate balance between personal victory and public perception, especially in cases that touch on political figures.
Carroll's assertion of the verdict as a "great victory for every woman who stands up when she’s been knocked down, and a huge defeat for every bully who has tried to keep a woman down" captures the essence of her fight and its implications for society.
