ABC News has reached a settlement with Donald Trump, agreeing to pay him $15 million to resolve a defamation lawsuit after anchor George Stephanopoulos made false claims regarding Trump's legal troubles during a broadcast. The controversial comments, made during an interview with Congresswoman Nancy Mace on March 10, asserted incorrectly that Trump had been found "liable for rape."
As part of the settlement, ABC will not only pay $15 million, which will serve as a charitable contribution to a future presidential foundation, but also cover $1 million in Trump's legal fees. They will additionally publish an editor's note on the original article, expressing regret for Stephanopoulos's statements.
This legal action emerged following a civil jury ruling in 2023 that found Trump liable for "sexual abuse" of E. Jean Carroll in a department store incident in 1996. However, the jury did not categorize the incident as "rape" under New York law, leading to significant media scrutiny and subsequent legal actions against various networks.
ABC News expressed satisfaction with the settlement, indicating it allows both parties to dismiss the lawsuit amicably. The case drew attention amidst Trump's ongoing legal battles, which have included other high-profile lawsuits against CBS, CNN, and the New York Times, related to allegations of defamation and misleading conduct.
As part of the settlement, ABC will not only pay $15 million, which will serve as a charitable contribution to a future presidential foundation, but also cover $1 million in Trump's legal fees. They will additionally publish an editor's note on the original article, expressing regret for Stephanopoulos's statements.
This legal action emerged following a civil jury ruling in 2023 that found Trump liable for "sexual abuse" of E. Jean Carroll in a department store incident in 1996. However, the jury did not categorize the incident as "rape" under New York law, leading to significant media scrutiny and subsequent legal actions against various networks.
ABC News expressed satisfaction with the settlement, indicating it allows both parties to dismiss the lawsuit amicably. The case drew attention amidst Trump's ongoing legal battles, which have included other high-profile lawsuits against CBS, CNN, and the New York Times, related to allegations of defamation and misleading conduct.
