In a significant legal settlement, ABC News and George Stephanopoulos have agreed to pay $15 million to settle a defamation lawsuit filed by President-elect Donald Trump, Breitbart reported.
The agreement includes a public apology and compensation for legal fees, avoiding an extended trial.
The dispute stemmed from an interview conducted by Stephanopoulos with Rep. Nancy Mace on ABC’s "This Week" on March 10, 2024. During the interview, Stephanopoulos mistakenly stated that Trump had been "found ‘liable for rape’ 10 times." This misstatement triggered the defamation lawsuit by Trump.
It was later clarified that Trump had been accused of "sexual abuse" not "rape." Stephanopoulos's error and his repetition of the incorrect term during the live broadcast were key points in the lawsuit.
Following his initial remarks, Stephanopoulos defended his statements in a subsequent interview with Stephen Colbert. He expressed defiance, stating he would not be "cowed out of doing my job because of a threat." This public stance brought more attention to the escalating legal battle.
The legal proceedings progressed when Judge Lisette M. Reid of the Southern District of Florida Federal Court intervened. She mandated both parties to appear for an in-person deposition as the case neared its trial-dodging deadline, steering them toward settlement discussions.
As part of the settlement agreement reached, ABC News committed to issuing a statement of regret concerning Stephanopoulos's misstatements. The network confirmed that it had incorrectly represented the legal judgments against Trump, emphasizing its commitment to factual reporting.
The total settlement of $15 million was structured to include a $1 million payment covering Trump's attorney fees and the remainder allocated as a charitable contribution to a Presidential foundation and museum to be established by or for Trump.
The official statement of regret from ABC News reads: "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."
This apology aims to correct the public record and mitigate any lasting impact from the initial misreporting. Stephanopoulos’s original statement according to the court documents was, "Trump sued me because I used the word ‘rape,’ even though a judge said that’s in fact what did happen. We filed a motion to dismiss."
Florida attorneys Alejandro Brito and Richard Klugh, representing Trump, emphasized the settlement as a victory for accuracy and truth in media reporting. They stressed the need for accountability in journalism, especially when addressing legal and personal reputations.
Media analysts point out that the settlement's size and nature reflect a significant acknowledgment of error by ABC News and Stephanopoulos. This case may also reshape how journalistic errors are addressed publicly, particularly in high-stakes political reporting.
The settlement closes this legal chapter but amplifies ongoing discussions about media responsibility and the consequences of misinformation. It highlights the legal and ethical duties of broadcasters to promptly correct errors and uphold trust and integrity in journalism.
