Raymond Santana of Central Park Five Takes Legal Action Against Trump
April 23, 2025, marked a significant development in the ongoing legal battle involving Raymond Santana, a member of the
wrongly convicted Central Park Five. A federal judge dismissed an effort by former President Donald Trump to
drop a lawsuit stemming from a controversial advertisement he published in 1989.
Source: TMZ.com
Background of the Case
Santana was one of five young men wrongfully convicted for the assault and rape of a jogger in Central Park.
In the wake of their convictions, which were vacated in 2002 after another individual confessed to the crime,
Santana and his co-defendants have sought legal redress. The specific suit against Trump involves claims of defamation and
intentional infliction of emotional distress due to the ad denouncing their innocence.
Trump’s Historical Role in the Case
In a recent interview with TMZ, Santana recalled Trump’s prominent involvement in the case, particularly highlighting the full-page ad
he took out in several newspapers advocating for the execution of the accused. Despite their eventual exoneration, Santana noted that Trump has
failed to express any regret and has persisted in his assertion of their guilt, even repeating these claims during the
2024 presidential debates against then-Vice President Kamala Harris.
Trump’s statements during the debate, where he propagated the idea that the men had admitted guilt, have been met with
vehement disagreement from Santana and his co-defendants. “No one died in the attack,” Santana asserted, reinforcing their
innocence and commitment to holding Trump accountable for his damaging claims.
Current Legal Proceedings
Santana, along with fellow exonerated defendants Yousef Salaam, Kevin Richardson, Antron McCray, and Korey Wise, is
pursuing this lawsuit with the aim of obtaining both compensatory and punitive damages. He believes their case against
Trump is robust, highlighting the emotional toll and public stigma they have suffered due to the former president’s past remarks.
Source: ABC
Looking Ahead
With the courts standing firm against Trump’s attempts to dismiss the case, Santana is ready to confront those who have
tarnished their reputation. His determination reflects a broader pursuit of justice, as he said, “They deserve less,” indicating
his expectations for accountability in the face of public misconception.
Raymond Santana’s journey from a wrongfully convicted teen to a figure seeking justice against powerful opposition emphasizes
the continuing impact of the Central Park Five case—and the importance of addressing historical wrongs in the context of
justice and accountability.