ABC News Settles Trump Lawsuit for $15 Million
In a significant legal development, ABC News has agreed to pay $15 million toward former President Donald Trump’s presidential library as part of a settlement resolving a defamation lawsuit. The suit stemmed from an inaccurate statement made by ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos during a broadcast.
The settlement, announced today, includes additional provisions requiring ABC to post a note of regret on its website and cover $1 million in legal fees. This agreement effectively ends the legal dispute initiated by Trump against Stephanopoulos and the network.
The lawsuit originated from an on-air claim made by Stephanopoulos during an interview with Rep. Nancy Mace on the program “This Week.” Stephanopoulos incorrectly stated that Trump had been found liable for rape, prompting the former president to pursue legal action for defamation.
This case is set against the backdrop of recent legal proceedings involving E. Jean Carroll. Trump was previously found liable for sexually assaulting and defaming Carroll, resulting in a $5 million verdict. A subsequent defamation case led to an additional $83.3 million order against the former president. Trump is currently appealing both verdicts.
It’s important to note that neither verdict in the Carroll cases involved a finding of rape under New York law. Judge Lewis Kaplan clarified that while the jury concluded Trump committed acts commonly understood as rape, the legal definition in New York is narrower than the general public’s understanding.
In response to the settlement, ABC News expressed satisfaction with the resolution, which has led to the dismissal of the lawsuit. This agreement marks a significant conclusion to a high-profile legal battle between a major news network and a former U.S. president.
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