Trump Must Face Defamation Suit From Central Park 5 Over Debate Comments

A federal judge ruled that a defamation lawsuit filed against former President Donald Trump by the Central Park Five can proceed. The case stems from comments Trump made during a 2024 presidential debate in which he inaccurately claimed the five men had confessed to a 1989 crime for which they were later exonerated. U.S. District Judge Wendy Beetlestone issued the ruling on Thursday, stating that Trump’s comments could be proven false, making them subject to legal action. While she dismissed a related claim that Trump intentionally caused emotional distress, she allowed the defamation claim to continue, stating that a jury could reasonably determine his remarks were both factually wrong and damaging.

Who Are the Central Park Five?

The Central Park Five — Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, and Korey Wise — were teenagers when they were arrested and convicted in connection to the brutal 1989 rape and assault of a white woman jogging in New York’s Central Park. The case sparked national outrage and widespread media coverage, with Trump at the time taking out full-page newspaper ads calling for the return of the death penalty. Years later, in 2002, the men were exonerated after another man confessed to the crime, and DNA evidence supported his confession. The city of New York paid a $41 million settlement in 2014 to the five men as part of a civil rights lawsuit.

Trump’s Controversial Comments Resurface

During a televised debate in September 2024, Trump again brought up the case while discussing race and criminal justice. Responding to comments from then-Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump falsely claimed the men had “pled guilty” and implied they were responsible for a death — though the victim survived the attack and the men had never confessed. The lawsuit claims Trump’s statements were knowingly false and broadcast to a wide audience with “reckless disregard for the truth.” Attorneys for the five men argue that his comments were defamatory and harmful, especially considering the high-profile nature of the debate and Trump’s past involvement in the case.

Trump’s Legal Team Pushes Back

Trump’s lawyers had asked the judge to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing his remarks were political opinions protected under the First Amendment. They said the comments lacked “defamatory sting” and were part of broader public debate. In response to the ruling, Trump’s attorney Karin Sweigart said they welcomed the partial dismissal of the emotional distress claim but called the overall lawsuit “unfounded.” She emphasized their intent to continue defending Trump’s free speech rights. Meanwhile, the Central Park Five’s legal team, led by attorney Shanin Specter, welcomed the decision and expressed confidence that the case would advance toward trial and “vindication” for the five men