ABC News and George Stephanopoulos have settled a defamation lawsuit brought by President-elect Donald Trump, agreeing to pay $15 million to resolve allegations of false statements made during a March 2024 interview. The agreement includes a public apology and payment of Trump’s legal fees.
The controversy centered on statements made by Stephanopoulos during an interview with Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) on This Week. Stephanopoulos claimed Trump was “found liable for rape” in a civil case involving E. Jean Carroll. However, the jury’s verdict had determined Trump was liable for “sexual abuse,” not rape, under New York law. Trump’s legal team argued the distinction was significant and accused Stephanopoulos of defamation.
🚨BREAKING: George Stephanopoulos and ABC News must apologize and pay Commander in Chief & President Trump $15 million to settle defamation lawsuit. George Stephanopolous falsely stated that Trump r*ped E Jean Carroll. Hell no! 100% lied!
Nothing can stop the Trump Win! FAFO 🤣 pic.twitter.com/GcY2Pclxlf
— AJ Huber (@Huberton) December 14, 2024
As part of the settlement, ABC News and Stephanopoulos issued a statement of regret, clarifying their comments and adding an editor’s note to the original article. The note acknowledged the error, stating, “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.”
The settlement includes a $15 million donation to a charitable foundation and museum associated with Trump, as well as $1 million to cover Trump’s attorney fees. The agreement was finalized in federal court in Florida, where both parties signed and accepted the terms.
ABC News released a statement expressing satisfaction with the resolution, saying, “We are pleased that the parties have reached an agreement to dismiss the lawsuit on the terms in the court filing.”
JUST IN: ABC News forced to pay $15 million to Trump to settle defamation lawsuit, George Stephanopoulos forced to issue public apology.
The development stems from a March incident where Stephanopoulos claimed Trump was found “liable for r*pe.”
Now, ABC News has to pay $15… pic.twitter.com/jsRuetccuv
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 14, 2024
The lawsuit initially drew significant attention due to Stephanopoulos’ public statements defending his remarks. However, the settlement came after a judge ordered depositions for both Trump and Stephanopoulos ahead of a looming trial deadline.
ABC News has to pay President Trump $15M and $1M in attorney fees as a settlement to the defamation lawsuit he brought after George Stephanopoulos lied by saying that Trump was "found liable for rape."@ABC and George Stephanopoulos also must apologize as part of the settlement.… pic.twitter.com/yhJYcnbw9I
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) December 14, 2024
The case highlights the heightened scrutiny of media coverage surrounding Trump and the challenges of navigating complex legal terminology in high-profile reporting.
