A woman who accused a Carnival crew member of raping her during a 2018 voyage will receive more than $12 million from the major cruise line following a prolonged legal battle, a judge ruled last week.
Judge Kathleen Williams determined the incredible sum of money on Friday after the alleged victim claimed Carnival employee Fredy Anggara lured the woman, then 21, into a closet, locked the door and sexually assaulted her aboard the Carnival Miracle on Dec. 1, 2018, according to the complaint filed in 2019.
After the door was unlocked, the woman “immediately rushed away, towards her room,” according to legal papers.
“The assailant caught up with her and asked her to allow him back to her room,” the complaint alleges. “[The woman] declined his request. Once [the woman] reached her room, she burst into tears and told her friend what had just happened.”
Jurors awarded her $10 million in 2022 and after Carnival fought that verdict, Williams tacked on another $2 million, according to court filings.
Overall, Carnival owes the plaintiff, only identified as Jane Doe, $12,367,229, according to the Friday ruling.
The woman was pleased with the outcome, her lawyer, Daniel Courtney, told the Daily Mail, which first reported the payout.
“This is a significant day for my client, and hopefully for all sexual assault survivors, who can see that justice, though sometimes difficult to secure, is indeed possible in our country,” he said.
While the passenger hauled the eight-figure payout, Anggara has never been arrested in connection to the alleged incident. He is also not a listed defendant in the legal action.
In 2022, jurors found Carnival liable for false imprisonment and sexual assault by the crew member, CNN reported at the time.
But the jury reportedly did not find Carnival negligent in the assault and that the crew member did not intentionally cause emotional distress on the alleged victim.
Carnival said in 2022 the crew member admitted to having sex with the passenger, but that it was consensual, “which is consistent with an investigation by the FBI,” according to the Washington Post.
Anggar was fired because cruise workers aren’t supposed to fraternize with guests.
Courtney told the Washington Post his client was “heavily intoxicated” and concussed” during the alleged rape after she hit her head during a fall.
“To say that it’s consensual is really hurtful to her,” Courtney argued.
The Post has sought comment from Carnival and Courtney.
