In 1989, five Black and Latino boys were wrongfully convicted of raping a white woman jogging in New York’s Central Park. Donald Trump paid $85,000 to take out advertising space in four New York newspapers under the headline “Bring Back The Death Penalty.” This advertisement poisoned the minds of many New Yorkers and played a role in securing a conviction.
After serving between five and 13 years in prison, the boys were exonerated when the true attacker confessed and was linked to the crime by DNA evidence. But Trump never admitted he was wrong or apologized for anything. And Donald continued his ugly remarks.
In 2003, the Central Park Five filed a civil lawsuit against New York City for malicious prosecution, racial discrimination, emotional distress and violation of their civil rights. City officials fought the case for more than a decade, before finally settling for $41 million. Trump called the settlement “a disgrace” and for over 30 years Donald has been calling the Central Park Five muggers and rapists. A man with vicious hatred who seeks to deny justice and demonstrates that neither facts nor humanity lead him must not ascend to our highest office.
