Trump told he can’t stop defamation case filed by ‘Apprentice’ contestant Summer Zervos
The ruling on Thursday is a legal setback for US President Donald Trump, who is facing multiple lawsuits focused on allegations women have made against him
US President Donald Trump will not be allowed to stay proceedings on a defamation suit filed by Summer Zervos, an Apprentice contestant who has claimed that he sexually harassed her, a New York court said on Thursday.
The ruling is a legal setback for Trump, who is facing multiple lawsuits focused on allegations women have made against him, as well as his public comments about those women.
It could open him up to discovery in the case, allowing the prosecution to gather evidence against him, although he could also file further appeals to try to delay proceedings.
Trump’s lawyers sought a temporary halt in the case filed by Zervos – who has accused him of groping and forcibly kissing her – while they awaited word on their appeal of a judge’s ruling this year that her defamation lawsuit could proceed.
Zervos sued Trump for defamation after he denied her accusations, along with those of other women who accused him of unwanted sexual contact before he was elected president. He called them all “liars”.