The settlement involves a $15 million contribution to a presidential foundation and a public statement of regret.
Trump Wins $15 Million from ABC News in Defamation Settlement
Trump Wins $15 Million from ABC News in Defamation Settlement
ABC News agrees to a substantial payment following false claims made during a live interview.
In a significant development, ABC News has reached a settlement agreement to pay $15 million to President Donald Trump following a defamation lawsuit linked to false statements made by anchor George Stephanopoulos. The controversy erupted after Stephanopoulos repeatedly claimed during a March 10, 2024 interview that Trump had been found "liable for rape." These remarks were directed at Congresswoman Nancy Mace while she expressed her support for Trump.
The case stems from a previous civil court ruling where a jury established that Trump was liable for "sexual abuse" under New York law, although the court clarified that the definitions differ from the common understanding of rape. As part of this new settlement, ABC will not only pay the $15 million but will also contribute an additional $1 million towards Trump's legal fees.
According to reports, the $15 million settlement will be designated as a charitable donation to a presidential foundation that Trump may establish. Furthermore, ABC News will issue a formal statement expressing regret for Stephanopoulos's misleading assertions, which the network views as a necessary step towards rectifying the situation.
In the March interview, Stephanopoulos made the inaccurate claim multiple times, stating, "judges and two separate juries have found him liable for rape," amidst questioning Rep. Mace on her endorsement of Trump. ABC News has since expressed relief at the resolution of the lawsuit, affirming the company’s commitment to responsible journalism.
This case is just one in a series of legal challenges Trump has faced, including a recent ruling that found him liable for defaming writer E. Jean Carroll, resulting in an order to pay her $83.3 million. Notably, Trump has also pursued legal action against other media outlets, although claims against CNN were previously dismissed.
The legal battles for Trump continue to shape the political landscape as he prepares for the future heading into the upcoming presidential elections.
The case stems from a previous civil court ruling where a jury established that Trump was liable for "sexual abuse" under New York law, although the court clarified that the definitions differ from the common understanding of rape. As part of this new settlement, ABC will not only pay the $15 million but will also contribute an additional $1 million towards Trump's legal fees.
According to reports, the $15 million settlement will be designated as a charitable donation to a presidential foundation that Trump may establish. Furthermore, ABC News will issue a formal statement expressing regret for Stephanopoulos's misleading assertions, which the network views as a necessary step towards rectifying the situation.
In the March interview, Stephanopoulos made the inaccurate claim multiple times, stating, "judges and two separate juries have found him liable for rape," amidst questioning Rep. Mace on her endorsement of Trump. ABC News has since expressed relief at the resolution of the lawsuit, affirming the company’s commitment to responsible journalism.
This case is just one in a series of legal challenges Trump has faced, including a recent ruling that found him liable for defaming writer E. Jean Carroll, resulting in an order to pay her $83.3 million. Notably, Trump has also pursued legal action against other media outlets, although claims against CNN were previously dismissed.
The legal battles for Trump continue to shape the political landscape as he prepares for the future heading into the upcoming presidential elections.
