In a notable legal development, ABC News and anchor George Stephanopoulos have settled a defamation lawsuit brought by former President Donald Trump for $15 million. The lawsuit stemmed from a segment aired earlier this year, where Stephanopoulos, during an interview with Rep. Nancy Mace, made a statement that Trump had been found “liable for rape” based on a civil case involving accusations made by E. Jean Carroll. This assertion was made despite a jury only having found Trump liable for “sexual abuse,” which, under New York law, is separate from the legal definition of rape. The mischaracterization of the jury’s finding led Trump to pursue legal action against Stephanopoulos and ABC News, contending that his reputation was harmed by the inaccurate statements.
The contentious exchange occurred when Stephanopoulos played a clip featuring Mace, who described her own experiences with rape. Following this, he pressed Mace about her endorsement of Trump, linking it to the claims made against him in the Carroll case. Despite the jury’s ruling, Stephanopoulos referenced the findings multiple times during the interview, compounding the perceived falsehood of equating sexual abuse with rape. This led to legal scrutiny, particularly because the ruling by Judge Lewis Kaplan noted that just because Carroll did not prove rape under strict legal definitions, it does not negate the broader implications of the term as understood by the public.
The settlement agreement, filed recently, indicates that ABC News will make a $15 million charitable contribution to a foundation associated with Trump. Additionally, the network agreed to cover $1 million in attorney fees. By reaching this settlement, the parties have avoided the expenses and uncertainties of a prolonged trial, which was scheduled following a court order for depositions in the case. Stephanopoulos had refused to shy away from his statements, claiming on other platforms that he would continue to report on the matter without fear of legal consequences, asserting that his words were justified.
Following the public revelation of the settlement, Trump, represented by attorneys specializing in media law, emphasized the importance of protecting his reputation against what he deemed defamatory remarks. This resolution represents a broader trend of legal victories for Trump, who has faced numerous lawsuits but has also experienced dismissals and favorable outcomes in various cases, such as those related to the 2020 election and classified documents.
Besides the ABC News settlement, Trump is also engaged in litigation against CBS News, seeking $10 billion in damages for what he describes as deceptive conduct. This string of legal actions has occurred alongside his ongoing political activities, including a campaign for re-election. Trump’s legal team has established a pattern of aggressive responses to media outlets they feel have misrepresented him, thereby contributing to a volatile landscape of legal battles that intersect with his public persona and political ambitions.
The apology issued by ABC News, while framed as part of a settlement, has provoked mixed reactions. Some view it as a necessary correction to misinformation, while others criticize it as insufficient in addressing the potential damage done to Trump’s reputation. As media relations and legal accountability evolve, this case serves as an emblematic example of the complex interplay between journalism, public figures, and the judicial system. As the media landscape continues to grapple with scrutiny and the consequences of its reporting, the implications of this case will likely resonate in ongoing conversations about free speech and defamation in the age of social media and heightened political discourse.