Central Park 5 Members Sue Donald Trump For Defamation Over Debate Comments

Members of the “Central Park Five” have filed a defamation lawsuit against former President Donald Trump, accusing him of making “false, misleading and defamatory” statements about their 1989 case during the ABC News presidential debate on September 10.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Pennsylvania, names Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, Kevin Richardson, Antron Brown, and Korey Wise as plaintiffs.

The men, who were wrongfully convicted in the 1989 Central Park jogger case, are seeking monetary damages for the emotional distress and reputational harm they say Trump’s comments caused.

During the debate, Trump referenced his infamous full-page ad calling for the death penalty for the five teens and made incorrect statements about their case.

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 The lawsuit highlights that none of the men ever pled guilty and that no one died as a result of the Central Park assault.

The men’s convictions were vacated in 2002 after another man confessed to the crime, supported by DNA evidence.

This is the latest chapter in the group’s ongoing battle with Trump, who has refused to back down from his stance on their guilt, despite their exoneration.

Trump’s campaign dismissed the lawsuit as “frivolous,” while Salaam, now a member of the New York City Council, tried to confront Trump at the debate, demanding an apology.