ABC News has reached a $15 million settlement with President-elect Donald Trump following a defamation lawsuit over erroneous statements made by anchor George Stephanopoulos earlier this year. The settlement also includes $1 million to cover Trump’s legal fees and a public statement expressing regret for the inaccurate claims.
The Lawsuit and Its Basis
The lawsuit stemmed from a March 10, 2024, broadcast of ABC’s This Week, where Stephanopoulos repeatedly stated that Trump had been found “liable for rape” in a civil case involving E. Jean Carroll. While a New York jury had determined in 2023 that Trump was liable for sexual abuse and defamation, it did not conclude that he committed rape under the specific legal definition in New York law.
The settlement, first reported by Fox News Digital, also requires ABC News to issue an editor’s note on the online article associated with the March broadcast. The note will read:
“ABC News and George Stephanopoulos regret statements regarding President Donald J. Trump made during an interview by George Stephanopoulos with Rep. Nancy Mace on ABC’s This Week on March 10, 2024.”
An ABC News spokesperson stated, “We are pleased that the parties have reached an agreement to dismiss the lawsuit on the terms outlined in the court filing.”
Details of the Settlement
As part of the agreement:
- ABC News will contribute $15 million to a presidential foundation and museum to be established by Trump, following the tradition of former U.S. presidents.
- The network will cover $1 million of Trump’s legal fees.
- ABC News will avoid further litigation, as both Trump and Stephanopoulos were scheduled to give sworn depositions next week.
Background on the Case
The defamation case drew attention due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved and the legal nuances surrounding the statements made. Trump’s lawsuit argued that the remarks were “false, intentional, malicious, and designed to cause harm.”
In the original 2023 civil trial, the jury awarded E. Jean Carroll $5 million for battery and defamation. However, Judge Lewis Kaplan noted that Carroll had not proven rape as defined under New York’s penal code. In January 2024, Trump was ordered to pay an additional $83.3 million to Carroll for subsequent defamatory statements.
Legal Implications and Precedent
This settlement marks a rare but significant outcome in defamation lawsuits involving media organizations and public figures. Trump has pursued similar cases against other outlets, including CBS and CNN. While some cases have been dismissed, this settlement underscores the potential financial and reputational risks for media entities when inaccuracies are broadcast.
Legal experts noted that the judge’s earlier refusal to dismiss the case may have influenced ABC’s decision to settle. The case hinged on whether it was “substantially true” to describe Trump’s liability as “rape,” despite the jury’s explicit finding to the contrary.
Trump’s Reaction
Trump’s legal team expressed satisfaction with the outcome, framing the settlement as a victory against “media bias.” In a statement, Trump said:
“This settlement is a step toward accountability in the media. False and malicious reporting has no place in journalism, and I will continue to stand up for the truth.”
Future Developments
The settlement allows ABC News and Trump to avoid prolonged legal battles and potentially damaging depositions. However, it also highlights the heightened scrutiny media outlets face when reporting on high-profile figures.
This case serves as a cautionary tale for media organizations, emphasizing the importance of accuracy in reporting—especially in politically charged environments.
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