Judge won’t dismiss ‘Apprentice’ contestant suit vs. Trump
NEW YORK — A defamation lawsuit brought by a former contestant on “The Apprentice” who accused President Donald Trump of unwanted sexual contact can move forward while he is in office, a judge ruled Tuesday.
Judge Jennifer Schecter wrote that “no one is above the law” in siding with Summer Zervos, who sued the Republican after he dismissed as “fabricated” and “made-up” her claims of misconduct at a Beverly Hills, California, hotel in 2007. Her lawsuit seeks an apology and at least $2,914.
Trump’s lawyers had argued the U.S. Constitution immunized him from being sued in state court while he’s president and had argued the case should at least be delayed until he’s out of office. They said their position was supported by a long line of U.S. Supreme Court cases requiring courts to show deference to the president and his schedule.
The judge disagreed.