ABC News and George Stephanopoulos Settle Defamation Lawsuit with Trump for $15 Million
ABC News has agreed to settle a defamation lawsuit filed by President-elect Donald Trump, agreeing to pay a hefty $15 million. This settlement comes after a contentious legal battle over statements made by anchor George Stephanopoulos during a March 2024 interview. The money will be donated to a charitable cause associated with Trump's presidential foundation and museum. In addition to the financial settlement, ABC will pay $1 million in legal fees to Trump's attorneys and issue a public apology.
The case stemmed from an interview where Stephanopoulos, while speaking with South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace, made repeated statements regarding Trump's involvement in a sexual abuse case. Specifically, Stephanopoulos said ten times that Trump had been "found liable for rape," which was a claim rooted in the case brought by E. Jean Carroll, who accused Trump of rape. Although a jury did find Trump liable for sexual abuse, the claim of rape was not substantiated under New York law. The case became more complicated because the jury had specifically ruled that Trump was not liable for rape, yet Stephanopoulos' on-air remarks suggested otherwise.
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Trump’s legal team argued that these repeated assertions by Stephanopoulos were false, malicious, and damaging to his reputation, prompting the defamation lawsuit. Initially, ABC News and Stephanopoulos resisted the claims, with Stephanopoulos defending his actions publicly. He had even told late-night host Stephen Colbert that he believed his use of the term “rape” was justified, as it reflected a broader understanding of the legal findings, even though the jury had not found him guilty of rape specifically. However, a federal judge later ordered that both Stephanopoulos and Trump would have to sit for depositions, potentially escalating the case to a trial.
The settlement ultimately avoids further legal proceedings, including depositions and the risk of a trial. An editor’s note will be added to the article at the heart of the lawsuit, expressing regret over the statements made during the interview. This resolution was a relief to both parties, with ABC News expressing satisfaction in concluding the matter on agreed terms. Trump, on the other hand, has seen another legal win, adding to his ongoing series of lawsuits against media outlets that he claims have misrepresented him.
The case also highlights the broader tensions between the media and the political figures it covers. Trump has a history of filing lawsuits against media organizations, and this settlement demonstrates the legal risks journalists and networks face when discussing high-profile individuals and sensitive issues like sexual abuse allegations. The $15 million settlement is a significant development, reflecting the ongoing intersection of media, politics, and the legal system.
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