President Donald Trump lost his bid to dismiss a defamation lawsuit filed by the so-called Central Park Five, allowing the case to advance and raising questions about accountability for high-profile statements about racial justice issues.
At a Glance
- A federal judge denied Donald Trump’s motion to dismiss a defamation lawsuit filed by the wrongfully convicted Central Park Five
- The lawsuit stems from statements Trump made during a 2024 presidential debate with Kamala Harris
- Judge Wendy Beetlestone ruled Trump’s statements could be “objectively determined” to be false
- The Central Park Five were exonerated in 2002 after being wrongfully convicted of a 1989 rape
- Trump’s legal team argues the lawsuit represents an attack on First Amendment rights
Judge Allows Case to Proceed
U.S. District Judge Wendy Beetlestone rejected former President Donald Trump’s request to dismiss a defamation lawsuit brought by the five men formerly known as the “Central Park Five.” The lawsuit specifically addresses comments Trump made during a 2024 presidential debate with Kamala Harris, where he allegedly made false statements about the men. Judge Beetlestone determined that Trump’s statements could be “objectively determined” to be false, which allows the case to move forward despite Trump’s legal team’s efforts to have it thrown out.
The lawsuit accuses Trump of defamation and portraying the men in a false light. According to court documents, Trump falsely claimed during the debate that the men had pleaded guilty and were responsible for killing a person. These statements form the core of the defamation claim, as the five men were completely exonerated in 2002 after another individual confessed to the crime and DNA evidence confirmed his guilt.
Trump lost a bid to dismiss a defamation lawsuit brought by plaintiffs known as the Exonerated Five (formerly the Central Park Five) https://t.co/LyvxT2onEs
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) April 10, 2025
Background of the Central Park Case
The case dates back to 1989 when five Black and Latino teenagers were wrongfully convicted of raping a white female jogger in Central Park. The teens – Korey Wise, Kevin Richardson, Raymond Santana, Antron McCray, and Yusef Salaam – spent between 6 and 13 years in prison before being exonerated. Their convictions were vacated in 2002 after Matias Reyes confessed to the crime, with DNA evidence confirming his guilt. The city of New York eventually settled a civil rights lawsuit with the exonerated men for $41 million.
Trump has a long history with this case. In 1989, he paid for full-page advertisements in four New York City newspapers calling for the reinstatement of the death penalty in New York State. While the ads did not explicitly mention the teenagers by name, the timing and context clearly connected them to the case. Even after their exoneration, Trump has repeatedly questioned their innocence over the years, maintaining his position despite clear evidence clearing the men.
President Trump must face Central Park Five defamation suit, judge rules https://t.co/f3BiJTawpM
— The Hill (@thehill) April 10, 2025
The Debate Comments and Lawsuit
The current lawsuit centers on specific statements Trump made during a presidential debate. When Harris referenced his past actions regarding the Central Park Five, Trump responded with claims that the plaintiffs argue were demonstrably false. According to court documents, Trump claimed the men “admitted” and “pled guilty” to the crime and said they “badly hurt a person, killed a person ultimately.” These statements form the basis of the defamation claim.
Trump’s legal team has vigorously fought the lawsuit, arguing it represents an attack on free speech. In a statement following the judge’s decision, Trump attorney Karin Sweigart called the lawsuit “baseless” and “politically motivated,” suggesting it violates Pennsylvania’s anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) law designed to protect free speech. While celebrating the dismissal of some claims, the legal team expressed disappointment that the entire case wasn’t thrown out.
What Happens Next
With Judge Beetlestone allowing the case to move forward, the lawsuit enters a new phase where the plaintiffs – now commonly referred to as the “Exonerated Five” – will have the opportunity to amend their complaint as directed by the court. The judge’s ruling that Trump’s statements could be objectively determined as false represents a significant hurdle cleared for the plaintiffs, though many legal challenges remain ahead in what could become a lengthy court battle.
“This baseless lawsuit is yet another unfounded and meritless attack against President Trump. It exemplifies the very kind of meritless legal action Pennsylvania’s anti-SLAPP law aims to prevent — shielding free speech from politically motivated abuse. The court’s dismissal of several claims is a victory. We firmly believe the entire case should have been dismissed and will continue fighting to protect the First Amendment rights of not just the President, but all Americans,” said, in a statement, Mr. Trump’s lawyer, Karin Sweigart,
This case adds to Trump’s growing list of legal challenges as he navigates multiple lawsuits across several states. For the Exonerated Five, many of whom have gone on to pursue various civic and political roles, the case represents not only a personal quest for vindication but also highlights broader issues surrounding wrongful convictions, racial justice, and accountability for public statements by those in positions of power and influence.
