Summer Zervos, a former contestant on The Apprentice, leaves New York State Supreme Court with attorney Gloria Allred, right, after a hearing on the defamation case against President Donald Trump in Manhattan, New York City, on December 5, 2017. File photo by REUTERS/Andrew Kelly

Trump asks New York appeals court to throw out defamation lawsuit from former ‘Apprentice’ contestant

Politics

NEW YORK — President Donald Trump's lawyers are asking a New York state appeals court to throw out or freeze a defamation lawsuit by a former contestant on "The Apprentice" who has accused Trump of unwanted kissing and groping.

Notice of the appeal was filed Sunday.

Trump's lawyers are challenging a Manhattan judge's refusal last month to halt the lawsuit by former "Apprentice" contestant Summer Zervos.

READ MORE: Trump called his sexual assault accusers 'liars.' He might now have to prove it in court

Trump's lawyers want the appeals court to put the case on hold during his presidency.

Trump has denied subjecting Zervos to unwanted sexual advances. She is suing him for calling her a liar. Zervos wants an apology and at least $2,914.

The Republican president's lawyers say his remarks were "non-defamatory opinions."

Zervos' lawyer, Mariann Wang, said she believed the lower-court's "well-reasoned" decision will be upheld.

Support PBS News Hour

Your tax-deductible donation ensures our vital reporting continues to thrive.

Trump asks New York appeals court to throw out defamation lawsuit from former ‘Apprentice’ contestant first appeared on the PBS News website.

Additional Support Provided By: