Trump asks to dismiss E. Jean Carroll defamation case, citing N.Y. law that would force her to pay fees

and

Updated December 2, 2021 at 4:42 p.m. EST|Published December 2, 2021 at 3:47 p.m. EST

Former president Donald Trump asked a federal judge to dismiss a defamation suit brought by E. Jean Carroll under a new law in New York designed to protect free speech. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Former president Donald Trump this week asked a federal judge to dismiss a defamation lawsuit filed against him by E. Jean Carroll — a writer who says Trump sexually assaulted her in the 1990s — citing a new state law intended to protect free speech.

Trump’s request cited a new “anti-SLAPP” law passed in New York state last year. The law, which was signed last year, is intended to stop “Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation” — instances where wealthy companies or people seek to silence their detractors with frivolous lawsuits.