ABC News and lead anchor George Stephanopoulos settled a defamation lawsuit against President-elect Donald Trump. The out-of-court settlement, avoiding what would have been an expensive and possibly damaging trial, received widespread public interest.
The case involved comments Stephanopoulos made during a March 2024 broadcast of This Week. During an interview with Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., Stephanopoulos repeatedly asserted that Trump had been adjudged “liable for rape” in a civil case brought by E. Jean Carroll. However, the jury’s actual finding was that Trump was liable for “sexual abuse” and defamation, distinctions important under New York law.
The settlement agreement requires ABC News to make a charitable donation of $15 million toward a future presidential foundation to be established by Trump, in addition to paying $1 million in costs to cover Trump’s legal fees. The network stated regret about Stephanopoulos’ statements being inaccurate.
ABC News added an editor’s note to the March 2024 piece, which described the interview summary, as follows: “ABC News and George Stephanopoulos regret statements regarding President Donald J. Trump made during an interview with Rep. Nancy Mace on This Week on March 10, 2024.”
The settlement finally laid the litigation to rest, but it triggered political criticism. Its detractors branded the network as biased; others branded the settlement a last-ditch effort to avoid sensational courtroom drama.
This controversy aside, Stephanopoulos avoided discussing the case on his latest episode of This Week but aired unrelated topics, from international disputes to domestic affairs.
ABC News released a short statement saying it was pleased with the settlement. “We are pleased that the parties have agreed to dismiss the lawsuit on the terms outlined,” a spokesperson said.
It has raised questions about journalistic accountability and the growing legal challenges that media outlets face.
To Read More: Finance