A New York appeals court has ruled that President Donald Trump isn’t immune from a defamation lawsuit filed by a former “Apprentice” contestant who accused him of unwanted kissing and groping.

A New York appeals court has ruled that President Donald Trump isn’t immune from a defamation lawsuit filed by a former “Apprentice” contestant who accused him of unwanted kissing and groping. (Alex Brandon/AP)

Summer Zervos appears at a news conference with her attorney Gloria Allred in Los Angeles, Friday Oct. 14, 2016. Zervos, a former contestant on "The Apprentice" says Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump made unwanted sexual contact with her at a Beverly Hills hotel in 2007. (Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP)

NEW YORK — A New York appeals court has ruled that President Donald Trump isn’t immune from a defamation lawsuit filed by a former “Apprentice” contestant who accused him of unwanted kissing and groping.

A state Supreme Court Appellate Division panel issued its ruling Thursday in a case brought by Summer Zervos.

The decision lets Zervos’ suit proceed and increases the prospect that Trump could have to sit for sworn questioning.

Zervos was among over a dozen women who emerged during Trump’s 2016 campaign with allegations of sexual misconduct years earlier. He called the women liars.

Trump’s lawyers have said the case shouldn’t go forward while he’s in office. They also say his comments were opinions and protected free speech.

Zervos’ lawyers say Trump’s words were factual falsehoods that subjected her to threats.