Central Park Five File Defamation Lawsuit Against Donald Trump Over Debate Remarks

The five men wrongfully convicted in the infamous 1989 Central Park jogger case—known as the Central Park Five—have filed a defamation lawsuit against former President Donald Trump. The legal action comes after Trump made controversial remarks during the second presidential debate on September 10, 2024, in which he falsely suggested that the five men were guilty despite their exoneration over two decades ago.

The lawsuit, filed in a New York court, argues that Trump’s statements perpetuated falsehoods, causing renewed harm to the reputations of the plaintiffs: Kevin Richardson, Raymond Santana, Antron McCray, Yusef Salaam, and Korey Wise. The men, who were teenagers at the time of their wrongful conviction, were exonerated in 2002 after DNA evidence and a confession from the actual perpetrator, Matias Reyes, proved their innocence.

During the debate, Trump was asked about criminal justice reforms and racial disparities in the legal system. In response, he referenced the Central Park Five case, stating, “There are cases where the system gets it right, and some people should never be let back into society.” When pressed about their exoneration, Trump refused to acknowledge the wrongful convictions, reigniting a controversy that has followed him for decades.

The lawsuit accuses Trump of defamation, arguing that his repeated false claims have inflicted ongoing emotional distress and professional harm. Attorneys for the plaintiffs are seeking damages and a formal retraction from Trump, stating that his continued mischaracterization of the case has subjected their clients to further public scrutiny and discrimination.

This is not the first time Trump has been at the center of controversy regarding the case. In 1989, before the trial had even begun, he took out full-page ads in four New York City newspapers calling for the reinstatement of the death penalty, indirectly targeting the five teenagers. Even after their exoneration, Trump has refused to apologize for his past remarks.

Legal experts suggest that the case could be significant in setting a precedent for holding public figures accountable for knowingly spreading falsehoods. While defamation cases involving political figures are often challenging due to free speech protections, the plaintiffs argue that Trump’s statements were made with reckless disregard for the truth, a key factor in defamation law.

As the lawsuit moves forward, it is expected to reignite discussions about racial bias in the criminal justice system, wrongful convictions, and the responsibility of public figures in shaping public perception. The Central Park Five’s legal team has stated that the lawsuit is about more than just compensation—it is about holding Trump accountable for the lasting damage his words have caused.