In a surprising turn of events, the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) has reached a $15 million settlement with President-elect Donald Trump, resolving a defamation lawsuit that had drawn national attention. The agreement includes a public apology from ABC and anchor George Stephanopoulos, who were at the center of the dispute, along with a financial commitment to support Trump’s future presidential library.
This settlement, announced Saturday afternoon, spares both parties from the drama of court-ordered depositions that were set to begin next week. For Trump, the deal marks another high-profile victory, allowing him to drop the suit without stepping foot in a courtroom.
The move raises eyebrows, not just for the hefty sum involved, but also for what it signals about the shifting relationship between the media and political powerhouses. ABC’s decision to settle rather than fight underscores the growing tension in today’s hyper-partisan media environment, where the costs of prolonged litigation and reputational damage can outweigh even the most aggressive defense strategies.
The Hill has additional details:
Trump sued the network and the anchor in March after Stephanopoulos repeatedly said during a “This Week” interview that a jury found Trump “liable for rape” in a lawsuit brought by advice columnist E. Jean Carroll. The jury had found Trump liable for sexual abuse under New York law, but not rape.
Under the settlement agreement, the network will put the $15 million in escrow to ultimately be used toward Trump’s future presidential library and foundation. ABC also agreed to pay $1 million in attorneys’ fees and add an editors’ note to the bottom of the relevant article, court documents show.
“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,” the note reads.
In return, Trump agreed to drop the lawsuit and waive any legal claims arising from the interview.
By crafting a settlement that serves both financial and symbolic purposes, Trump once again demonstrates his knack for turning challenges into opportunities. For Stephanopoulos and ABC, the episode serves as a stark reminder of the fine line between robust reporting and reputational risk.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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I want to hear Stephanopoulos apologize.