ABC News and anchor George Stephanopoulos have settled a defamation lawsuit brought by President-elect Donald Trump, agreeing to pay $15 million as part of the resolution. The lawsuit stemmed from remarks made during a March 2024 interview that Trump argued were false and defamatory.
Stephanopoulos made the controversial statements while interviewing Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) on This Week. He alleged that Trump had been “found liable for rape” in the civil case involving E. Jean Carroll. The jury in that case, however, found Trump liable for “sexual abuse,” not rape, under New York law. Trump’s legal team asserted that the repeated mischaracterization damaged his reputation.
🚨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
The settlement includes a $15 million contribution to a charitable foundation and museum associated with Trump, as well as $1 million to cover his legal fees. Additionally, ABC News issued an apology, amending the original article with an editor’s note that read, “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.”
ABC News expressed relief at the resolution, stating, “We are pleased that the parties have reached an agreement to dismiss the lawsuit on the terms in the court filing.” The settlement was finalized in federal court in Florida, just days before depositions were scheduled to take place.
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
Stephanopoulos had initially defended his remarks, citing a judge’s interpretation of the jury’s findings. However, the agreement allowed both parties to avoid further legal proceedings and the potential for a contentious trial.
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 settlement underscores the challenges media outlets face when reporting on high-profile legal cases, particularly when misstatements can lead to significant consequences. Trump’s legal team hailed the outcome as a win for accountability.
