ABC Renews Contract with George Stephanopoulos Amid Costly Trump Settlement
ABC News has recently extended its contract with longtime anchor George Stephanopoulos, despite incurring hefty costs in a defamation lawsuit settlement with President-elect Donald Trump. Stephanopoulos, who was reportedly earning up to $18 million annually in his previous deal, was embroiled in a defamation suit settled with Trump last week. The timing of his new contract and the settlement appears coincidental, as per reports. ABC News has not issued an official statement in response to inquiries from Fox News Digital.
Behind-the-Scenes Drama at ABC
Following the settlement between ABC News and Trump, which amounted to $15 million, an extension was granted to Stephanopoulos’ contract. Reports suggest there was internal turmoil at the Disney-owned network, with Variety revealing that Stephanopoulos felt “blindsided” by the decision to settle the lawsuit, expressing dissatisfaction with the outcome. Uncertainty loomed over Stephanopoulos’ future at ABC, but shortly after Variety’s report, The Los Angeles Times revealed the anchor’s contract extension.
Stephanopoulos’ Defiant Stance
The lawsuit stemmed from Stephanopoulos’ statements during an interview with Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., where he incorrectly referenced Trump as being “liable for rape” multiple times. Stephanopoulos initially stood firm against Trump’s legal action, proclaiming to CBS’ Stephen Colbert that he wouldn’t allow threats to deter him from performing his duties. Despite ABC News’ efforts to dismiss Trump’s lawsuit, a judge rejected their motion, leading to the costly settlement.
Costly Settlement and Reactions
In the settlement agreement, ABC News will contribute $15 million to a charitable foundation for President Trump and pay an additional $1 million in legal fees. Both Stephanopoulos and ABC News were required to issue statements expressing regret for the inaccurate statements made during the interview with Rep. Mace. The settlement sparked criticism from liberal circles, accusing ABC News of capitulating to Trump’s demands.
Conclusion
The renewal of George Stephanopoulos’ contract with ABC News amidst the fallout from the Trump defamation lawsuit settlement sheds light on the complex dynamics within the media industry. As the network navigates through the aftermath of the costly legal battle, the implications of the settlement and the extension of Stephanopoulos’ contract will undoubtedly reverberate across the media landscape. Stay tuned for further developments as this story continues to unfold.
