ABC Settles $15 Million in Trump Defamation Lawsuit
WASHINGTON — ABC has agreed to pay $15 million as part of a legal settlement with President-elect Donald Trump, marking the end of a contentious dispute stemming from an interview where Trump accused anchor George Stephanopoulos of defamation.
The settlement, made public on Saturday, outlines that the money will be transferred to “a Presidential foundation and museum to be established by or for” Trump. In addition to the financial settlement, the defendants involved, identified as ABC, ABC News, and Stephanopoulos, will also pay $1 million to Trump’s legal counsel. Moreover, they will append a note to an online article related to the interview expressing regret for the statements made about Trump.
Settlement Terms and Reactions
An ABC News spokesperson, when contacted for comment, expressed satisfaction with the agreement to dismiss the lawsuit as per the terms outlined in the court filing. Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, directed inquiries to the official filing upon being reached for a response.
The lawsuit was initiated by Trump’s legal team shortly after Stephanopoulos conducted an interview with Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., where certain remarks by the anchor were deemed by Trump’s lawyers to be false and defamatory.
The Disputed Statements
During the interview, Stephanopoulos questioned Mace about Trump’s treatment of women and the E. Jean Carroll case. Stephanopoulos mentioned that Trump “has been found liable for rape by a jury,” although Trump was found liable in a civil case for sexually abusing Carroll, not for the alleged rape itself. The jury unanimously ruled against Carroll’s claim of rape.
Upcoming Depositions and Background
Prior to the settlement agreement, a judge had ordered Trump and Stephanopoulos to be available for depositions the following week regarding the case. This legal battle emerged from a complex chain of events that enveloped public figures and legal intricacies, culminating in a substantial financial resolution.
Through this settlement, both parties have chosen to bring an end to a protracted legal dispute, with financial compensation and clarification of past statements forming the basis of their agreement. The resolution of this case serves as a reminder of the far-reaching consequences of public statements and their potential legal implications.