E. Jean Carroll, 79, expressed her immense relief and happiness following the verdict in which Donald Trump was found liable for sexually abusing and defaming her. On Wednesday morning, Carroll shared her initial reaction to the New York jury's decision on Today, alongside her attorney, Roberta Kaplan.

Carroll told host Savannah Guthrie that she was "overwhelmed with joy and happiness and delight for the women in this country." She emphasized the severity of the charge, stating, "Sexual abuse under New York law is very serious, and the jury found that that's what he did."

Carroll expressed her focus on reclaiming her name, rather than the $5 million in damages awarded in the civil case. However, she and her attorney Kaplan both affirmed their determination to collect the damages from Trump.

The unanimous verdict marked the first time Trump has been held legally accountable for sexual misconduct, with the jury finding him liable for sexual abuse and defamation after less than three hours of deliberations. The jury, comprised of six men and three women, ultimately concluded that Carroll was sexually abused, though not raped.

The verdict does not determine legal guilt and will not result in criminal charges. However, the jury ordered Trump to pay $2 million for sexual abuse and nearly $3 million for defamation.

Carroll's lawsuit, filed under New York's Adult Survivors Act, alleged battery and defamation. The act allows sexual abuse survivors a one-year lookback window to file claims otherwise barred by the statute of limitations.

The writer claimed that Trump had raped her in Bergdorf Goodman approximately 27 years ago, but she remained silent for fear of threats, lawsuits, and damage to her reputation and livelihood. The lawsuit sought to hold Trump accountable and provide redress for Carroll's injuries.

Carroll first went public with her allegations in 2019, and Trump promptly denied them, claiming he had never met her. He accused her of lying to sell her memoir, which led to her defamation lawsuit against him in 2019. That lawsuit is currently at a standstill.

Carroll's second lawsuit, filed in November 2022, alleged both battery and defamation. During the trial, witnesses, including former PEOPLE writer Natasha Stoynoff and ex-businesswoman Jessica Leeds, detailed their own allegations of assault by the former president. After the verdict, Stoynoff expressed her gratitude to the jury and her hope that survivors of sexual abuse, assault, and harassment would find support.