In a significant outcome, ABC News has agreed to pay $15 million to Donald Trump to settle a defamation lawsuit linked to misleading statements made by anchor George Stephanopoulos during a March interview. The settlement, first revealed by Fox News Digital, follows assertions of Trump's liability in a civil abuse case, which New York law defines narrowly compared to general perceptions of rape.
Trump Secures $15M from ABC News in Defamation Settlement
Trump Secures $15M from ABC News in Defamation Settlement
ABC News to compensate Trump following false statements made by anchor George Stephanopoulos regarding rape allegations.
The agreement includes an additional $1 million for Trump's legal expenses. Furthermore, ABC News is mandated to issue a public statement acknowledging its regret over Stephanopoulos's remarks, which were falsely stated numerous times during the segment. Stephanopoulos had misrepresented Trump’s legal standing by repeating that "judges and two separate juries have found him liable for rape," a claim which was incorrect and misleading.
The defamation lawsuit stemmed from the remarks made during an interview with Congresswoman Nancy Mace and heightened tensions surrounding Trump's legal issues, which include a civil case involving E. Jean Carroll, where a jury found him liable for sexual abuse but concluded the evidence did not meet the technical definition of rape under New York law. This narrow interpretation has led to ongoing legal battles for Trump, including a recent case against CBS.
As part of the resolution, ABC News will update their online articles with a note that acknowledges the mistake. An ABC spokesperson expressed relief over the resolution of the lawsuit, while Trump's legal challenges continue to unfold in various courts across the nation. This award marks a significant moment in the media's handling of accusations against high-profile figures and sets precedents for future cases regarding defamation.
The defamation lawsuit stemmed from the remarks made during an interview with Congresswoman Nancy Mace and heightened tensions surrounding Trump's legal issues, which include a civil case involving E. Jean Carroll, where a jury found him liable for sexual abuse but concluded the evidence did not meet the technical definition of rape under New York law. This narrow interpretation has led to ongoing legal battles for Trump, including a recent case against CBS.
As part of the resolution, ABC News will update their online articles with a note that acknowledges the mistake. An ABC spokesperson expressed relief over the resolution of the lawsuit, while Trump's legal challenges continue to unfold in various courts across the nation. This award marks a significant moment in the media's handling of accusations against high-profile figures and sets precedents for future cases regarding defamation.
