(New York) A lawyer for Donald Trump is asking for a one-month adjournment in the trial over a columnist’s claims that Mr. Trump raped her in the dressing room of an upscale store in the 1990s, claiming that his client’s right to a fair trial depends on a “cooling off” period following the indictment and impeachment of the former president.
The trial has been set for April 25. In a letter to Judge Lewis A. Kaplan on Tuesday, attorney Joseph Tacopina cited “ the recent deluge of damaging media coverage ” surrounding Mr. Trump’s arrest and appearance in arguing for a delay. The former president was charged on March 30 with 34 counts related to allegations that he paid bribes to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
The civil case before Judge Kaplan was brought against Donald Trump in November by E. Jean Carroll, a columnist who claims the wealthy real estate developer raped her in early 1996 after an unexpected encounter at the Bergdorf Goodman store.
Donald Trump has categorically and repeatedly denied the allegation. A jury will be asked to decide whether the rape took place and whether Mr. Trump defamed Ms. Carroll with his comments.
A temporary state law that took effect last year allows adult rape victims to sue their attackers, even though the attacks took place decades ago.
Tacopina’s letter requesting a postponement of the trial for Ms. Carroll’s civil suit follows Judge Kaplan’s order on Monday requiring parties involved in the case to let him know by April 20 whether they will be attending any throughout the trial in Manhattan federal court. Ms. Carroll’s attorney said she would be present. Mr. Trump’s attorney did not respond to requests for comment regarding Judge Kaplan’s order.
