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ABC News Reaches $15M Settlement with Trump in Defamation Lawsuit

 December 16, 2024

ABC News and one of its prominent anchors, George Stephanopoulos, have reached a $15 million settlement with President-elect Donald Trump to resolve a contentious defamation lawsuit.

The lawsuit centered around comments Stephanopoulos made during an interview that mischaracterized a legal case involving Trump, and to resolve the matter, ABC News has consented to both a financial settlement and a statement of apology, as the Washington Examiner reports.

The origin of this conflict traces back to an interview Stephanopoulos conducted on March 10, 2024, with Rep. Nancy Mace.

During the interview on ABC's This Week, Stephanopoulos remarked that Donald Trump had been held accountable for a serious offense. However, the legal verdict had only found Trump liable for a lesser charge.

Settlement Follows Legal Proceedings

In the actual legal proceedings, the jury found President-elect Trump liable for sexual misconduct but not the more severe charge that Stephanopoulos mentioned. This distinction was important as it became the focal point of Trump's legal challenge against ABC News.

In response to the inaccurate on-air statements, Trump initiated a lawsuit against Stephanopoulos and ABC News. As part of the settlement agreement, ABC News has agreed to pay an additional $1 million in attorney fees.

A notable component of the settlement is the requirement for ABC News to make a charitable donation. This contribution is intended to support a future presidential foundation and museum that Trump plans to establish.

Regretful Statements and Donation Included

Additionally, ABC News has pledged to release a public expression of regret. The network will attach an editor's note to the online version of the relevant interview article as part of this commitment. The intention is to acknowledge and correct the incorrect information that was disseminated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisette M. Reid had been overseeing the developments of this legal case. She had previously ordered in-person depositions be conducted by Dec. 24. The eve of this deadline was likely instrumental in pushing both parties towards reaching an agreement.

During the lawsuit's progression, Stephanopoulos remained steadfast in his defense. In statements made to the media, he indicated his belief that his comments were validated by judicial interpretation. However, the legal nuances surrounding the case led to a different understanding.

Judge's Clarification in Legal Nuances

Judge Lewis Kaplan, involved in the judicial proceedings concerning the legal case of E. Jean Carroll against Trump, provided important clarifications. While a jury found Trump responsible for misconduct, Judge Kaplan noted that this did not equate to the more severe accusation as commonly understood.

This legal clarification underscores the complexity involved in such high-profile cases, where public figures and major media outlets intersect.

ABC News and George Stephanopoulos are now looking to move forward with this resolution, focusing on their commitment to journalistic integrity. The network's statement expressed regret over the inaccuracies, highlighting the importance of precise language in media coverage.

Trump, meanwhile, has not publicly commented on the settlement as of yet. His silence could suggest that he is satisfied with the terms reached or simply awaiting the right moment to address his supporters.

Impact and Implications of Settlement

With this settlement, a potential prolonged legal battle has been avoided, and both parties can now focus on future endeavors. The financial and public relations ramifications serve as a cautionary tale for media figures and outlets regarding the responsible reporting of legal matters.

This incident also raises questions about the influence of media on public perception. The quick dissemination of information in today's digital age emphasizes the need for accuracy and accountability.

In the ever-evolving world of media, this settlement serves as a reminder of the critical role of factual reporting. The repercussions faced by ABC News exemplify the need for thorough verification before broadcast and publication.

As the story draws to a close, it highlights the delicate balance between robust journalism and the responsibilities that accompany such influence. ABC News's resolution of this lawsuit underscores their commitment to maintaining credibility and rectifying past errors.