A federal judge in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, has denied President Donald Trump’s attempt to dismiss a defamation lawsuit brought against him by the individuals previously known as the Central Park Five. These men, who were wrongly convicted of the 1989 rape and assault of a jogger, spent more than a decade in prison before being exonerated.
U.S. District Judge Wendy Beetlestone issued a brief order on Thursday evening rejecting Trump’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit. The Central Park Five filed the lawsuit during the last presidential election, accusing Trump of making false and defamatory statements about them during a debate in Philadelphia with then-Vice President Kamala Harris.
During the debate, Trump inaccurately stated that the men had admitted guilt and pleaded guilty to the crime, implying they were responsible for a death. However, the Central Park Five never pleaded guilty and no one died in connection with the case. Their attorney, Shanin Specter, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision and emphasized the men’s desire for vindication through discovery and trial.
The lawsuit sought compensatory and punitive damages, alleging that Trump intentionally defamed the men, made false statements, and caused emotional distress. One claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress was dismissed in Judge Beetlestone’s ruling. Trump’s lawyer had argued that the statements were protected under Pennsylvania law regarding immunity for comments on matters of public concern.
The Central Park Five, who are Black and Latino, were teenagers when they were accused and ultimately convicted of the crime. Their convictions were overturned in 2002 after another individual confessed to the assault. Despite Trump’s attempt to have the lawsuit dismissed, the legal process will continue as the men seek justice for the harm caused by the false accusations.
