What Happened?
ABC News has agreed to pay $15 million to settle a defamation lawsuit filed by President-elect Donald Trump. The lawsuit centered on inaccurate remarks made by George Stephanopoulos, a lead anchor at the network, during a live broadcast. The anchor incorrectly stated that Trump had been “found liable for raping” writer E. Jean Carroll.
Key Details of The Settlement
ABC News will pay $15 million to a fund associated with Trump’s presidential foundation and museum.
An additional $1 million will cover Trump’s legal fees.
The network and Stephanopoulos will issue public apologies for the error during an upcoming broadcast.
Background
The comments were made during an interview segment on This Week, which aired shortly after a federal court verdict in one of Carroll’s civil cases against Trump.
Trump was found liable for sexual abuse, not rape, under New York law, in the 2023 case involving Carroll.
In a separate trial earlier in 2023, Trump was also found liable for defaming Carroll and was ordered to pay her $5 million.
A subsequent trial led to another defamation judgment against Trump, this time with damages totaling $83.3 million. Trump is appealing both verdicts.
Legal Context
The defamation suit against ABC News was filed in federal court in Miami. Settlement talks accelerated after Judge Lisette M. Reid requested depositions from both Trump and Stephanopoulos.
Larger Implications
The settlement adds to Trump’s recent string of legal victories following his win in the November 5 presidential election.
A U.S. appeals court recently dismissed charges related to the alleged mishandling of classified documents.
Special Counsel Jack Smith paused a federal case regarding Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. However, Trump still faces related racketeering charges in Georgia.
Sentencing in Trump’s May conviction in the hush money case has been indefinitely delayed.
What’s Next?
ABC News is expected to issue a public apology soon, and the settlement marks another step in Trump’s legal battles as he prepares to assume the presidency. Meanwhile, appeals in Carroll’s defamation cases continue.
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