A New York state judge Tuesday said “no one is above the law” as she denied President Donald Trump‘s request to dismiss a defamation lawsuit by a former “Apprentice” contestant who claims he sexually groped her.
Manhattan Court Justice Jennifer Schecter’s decision, which allows the suit by Summer Zervos to proceed, rejected Trump’s argument that a sitting president cannot be subject to a state court’s jurisdiction.
Schecter cited the U.S. Supreme Court case that found a federal sexual harassment lawsuit against President Bill Clinton by former Arkansas state employee Paula Jones, who accused Clinton of exposing himself to her, could proceed when Clinton was in the White House.
Clinton’s lies under oath during a deposition in that case led to him being impeached by the House of Representatives, although the Senate ended up acquitting him at trial.
“It is settled that the President of the United States has no immunity and is ‘subject to the laws’ for purely private acts,” Schecter wrote in her ruling.
“No one is above the law.”
In addition to rejecting the motion for dismissal by Trump, Schechter also denied a request that she suspend Zervos’s lawsuit until after Trump leaves office.
The ruling could have broader implications for Trump than Zervos’ case alone.
At least 10 other women accused Trump of unwanted groping or kissing during the 2016 campaign, some of the allegations dating back decades. Trump called them all liars using campaign speeches, personal tweets and official statements.
Zervos’s lawyer, Mariann Wang, in an emailed statement said, “The rule of law and sound reason have prevailed today.”
“We are grateful for the opportunity to prove that that Defendant falsely branded Ms. Zervos…
