NEW YORK _ A court has ruled President Donald Trump is not above the law _ again.
Three mid-level appeals judge wrote Thursday that Trump is not immune from a defamation lawsuit filed by former "Apprentice" contestant Summer Zervos while he's in the Oval Office.
The 3-2 decision by a five-judge panel of the New York Supreme Court's Appellate Division, First Department upholds a lower court's ruling allowing Zervos' case to proceed. The reality TV star alleges that Trump forced himself on her in two separate encounters in 2007. She charges that Trump smeared her during the 2016 presidential campaign by calling her a liar in search of fame.
Trump had argued he did not have to respond to the lawsuit filed in state court while in office.
"The current sitting President attempts to shield himself from consequences for his alleged unofficial misconduct by relying upon the constitutional protection of the Presidency. We reject defendant President Trump's argument," Judge Diane Renwick wrote for the five-judge panel.
"Though he is tasked with significant responsibilities, the president is still a person, and he is not above the law."
Two judges dissented, arguing that Trump's unique duties meant he should not have to respond to the lawsuit while president.
"The President should not be forced to defend this lawsuit while he is in office. Therefore, in my view the action should be stayed until such time as defendant no longer occupies the office of President of the United States," Judge Angela Mazzarelli wrote.
Zervos attorney Mariann Wang hailed the decision.
"We look forward to proving to a jury that Ms. Zervos told the truth about Defendant's unwanted sexual groping and holding him accountable for his malicious lies," Wang said.
