In a significant development, U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan ruled on Tuesday that the infamous 2005 “Access Hollywood” video, in which former President Donald Trump made derogatory comments about women, can be shown to jurors in the defamation trial against him. The trial, set to begin on January 16th, will determine what Trump owes columnist E. Jean Carroll, whom he allegedly sexually abused and then defamed.

The video, which was seen by the jury that awarded Carroll $5 million in damages in May, captures Trump bragging about kissing, groping, and attempting to have sex with women who were not his wife. Trump had dismissed the video as "locker room banter" and a "private conversation" when it emerged shortly before the 2016 presidential election.

Judge Kaplan stated that the “Access Hollywood” video could provide valuable insight into Trump's state of mind regarding Carroll, given the similarity between the behavior he described on the tape and Carroll's sexual assault claim. The judge further noted that Trump had privately admitted to sexual assaults eerily similar to Carroll's allegations. Trump's lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

It is important to note that the jury in May did not find sufficient evidence to conclude that Trump raped Carroll. Carroll had testified that she had a flirtatious and humorous encounter with Trump in 1996, which turned into sexual abuse when he pushed her against a wall in a dressing room at Bergdorf Goodman. Trump vehemently denied Carroll's rape claim, stating that he did not know her, she was not his type, and that she was likely making false claims for personal and political gain.

In addition to allowing the “Access Hollywood” video, Judge Kaplan also ruled that Trump's attorney cannot introduce evidence or arguments suggesting that Carroll fabricated her assault claim or had financial and political motivations to do so. The focus of the upcoming trial will be limited to determining damages for defamation, as the jury's previous conclusion regarding Trump's defamation of Carroll in 2022 still stands.

Carroll, now 80 years old, is expected to testify at the trial, where she will detail how Trump's remarks subjected her to ridicule, threats, and harmed her career and reputation. She is seeking $10 million in compensatory damages and potentially more in punitive damages. Trump, who is currently the leading Republican contender in this year's presidential race, is listed as a witness, but it remains uncertain whether he will testify.

In a separate development, Judge Kaplan also issued an order stating that Trump's lawyers cannot present legal arguments to the jury regarding the rape claim that was dismissed by the previous jury. This decision came after Trump criticized the judge as a "radical Democrat" and mocked Carroll during a speech in Iowa. Trump's attorneys will not be allowed to confuse the jurors by arguing that the previous jury disbelieved Carroll's rape claim.

Carroll's lawyers had requested this order, emphasizing that the defamation's sting came from Trump's assertions that her sexual abuse allegations were entirely fabricated. They argued that the jury's finding reflected their conclusion that Trump had forcibly and without consent digitally penetrated Carroll, which constitutes rape in other jurisdictions.

While Carroll seeks substantial damages in the defamation trial, Trump is also facing criminal charges in four separate indictments, including allegations of seeking to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and arranging a payoff to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges.