Trump's Debate Comments Spark Lawsuit from Central Park Five

The Central Park Five, a group of five men wrongfully convicted of a 1989 rape, have filed a defamation lawsuit against former President Donald Trump. This action comes after Trump's false claims during the presidential debate that the men had pleaded guilty to the crime. The lawsuit argues that Trump's statements were reckless and intended to cause emotional distress. The men, who were exonerated in 2002, have always maintained their innocence. Trump's comments during the debate were part of a discussion on race relations, where he was responding to Kamala Harris' mention of his 1989 newspaper ad calling for the death penalty in the case.

Trump's initial involvement in the case dates back to 1989 when he took out a full-page ad in several newspapers, calling for tougher penalties. However, the lawsuit points out that then-mayor Ed Koch did not support Trump's stance. The Central Park Five were minors at the time of the crime and served time in prison before being released based on new DNA evidence. One of the men, Yousef Salaam, who is now a New York City council member, approached Trump after the debate to ask for an apology, but Trump dismissed him. This isn't the first time Trump has made such claims. In the past, he has called the settlement the men received a "heist" and has insisted on their guilt despite their exoneration. A spokesperson for Trump's campaign has dismissed the lawsuit as a political stunt.

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