ABC News has reached a significant settlement with President-elect Donald J. Trump, agreeing to pay $16 million and issue a public apology following a defamation lawsuit filed by the former president. This agreement averts further legal proceedings and brings an end to a heated dispute that captured national attention.
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Settlement Details
The settlement, finalized on Saturday, includes a $15 million charitable contribution to a future presidential foundation and museum to be established by or for Trump, similar to those created by past U.S. presidents. Additionally, ABC News will cover $1 million in Trump’s legal fees.
As part of the settlement, the network and veteran anchor George Stephanopoulos will also issue public statements of “regret” for comments made during a March 2024 broadcast of This Week. The apology will take the form of a correction note appended to the original online article that prompted the lawsuit.
The Incident in Question
The lawsuit stemmed from an interview on March 10, 2024, where Stephanopoulos hosted Rep. Nancy Mace, a Republican from South Carolina and a vocal advocate for survivors of assault. During the interview, Stephanopoulos made repeated references to Trump being “found liable for rape” concerning a jury ruling in New York City.
The case involved E. Jean Carroll, who had accused Trump of an incident at a department store in the 1990s. While the jury awarded Carroll $5 million for defamation and sexual abuse, Trump has consistently denied the allegations, and there was no definitive evidence presented to support her claims.
The comments by Stephanopoulos during the interview were deemed defamatory by Trump’s legal team, as they implied a conclusion that went beyond the jury’s ruling.
ABC News Issues Apology
As part of the settlement, ABC News released the following statement:
“ABC News and George Stephanopoulos regret statements made regarding President Donald J. Trump during a March 2024 interview with Rep. Nancy Mace on This Week. Our statements inaccurately characterized the jury’s findings and did not reflect the full context of the legal proceedings. We apologize for any misunderstanding this may have caused.”
The network also agreed to attach this statement to the original article and broadcast recordings related to the case.
Trump’s Response
President-elect Trump hailed the settlement as a “total victory”, emphasizing the importance of holding media organizations accountable for misinformation.
“This settlement is a clear acknowledgment of the media’s role in spreading false narratives,” Trump said in a statement. “I am grateful for the resolution and will continue to fight for fairness and truth in reporting. This victory isn’t just for me but for every American who values honest journalism.”
Stephanopoulos and ABC Under Fire
The settlement is a blow to ABC News and Stephanopoulos, who have faced criticism for their handling of the situation. Media watchdogs and commentators have pointed to the incident as a cautionary tale about the risks of biased reporting and inaccurate statements in high-stakes political contexts.
Stephanopoulos has yet to issue a personal statement, but sources suggest he was a key player in negotiating the settlement to avoid further reputational damage.
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Implications for Media Accountability
The outcome of this case underscores the growing scrutiny on mainstream media outlets, especially regarding coverage of politically sensitive issues. It also highlights the legal risks associated with editorial commentary that may blur the line between opinion and factual reporting.
For ABC News, this settlement is likely to prompt internal reviews of editorial practices and fact-checking protocols to avoid similar legal challenges in the future.
Looking Forward
As President-elect Trump prepares to assume office, this legal victory adds momentum to his administration’s calls for increased media transparency and accountability.
At Different HUB, we will continue to monitor how this settlement influences the broader media landscape and the evolving relationship between the press and political figures.
Stay tuned for more updates on this and other critical stories shaping the news.
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