ABC News has agreed to pay $15 million and issue a formal statement of regret to settle a defamation lawsuit filed by President-elect Donald Trump. The settlement also includes an additional $1 million to cover Trump’s legal fees.
The case stemmed from remarks made by George Stephanopoulos, anchor of Good Morning America and This Week, during a March 2024 interview with Representative Nancy Mace. Stephanopoulos had claimed Trump was found “liable for rape” in a civil case, a statement that prompted Trump to file the defamation suit.
Details of the Settlement
According to the settlement filed on Saturday and signed by Trump, Stephanopoulos, ABC News, and ABC stations chief Debra O’Connell, the payment will be made within 10 days. The funds will be donated to a “Presidential foundation and museum” to be established by or for Trump, following the precedent set by past U.S. presidents.
ABC News will also add an editor’s note to the online version of the March 2024 article in question. The note will read:
“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.”
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, an ABC News spokesperson said, “We are pleased that the parties have reached an agreement to dismiss the lawsuit on the terms in the court filing.”
Context and Resolution
The lawsuit gained attention following a contentious legal battle. Both Trump and Stephanopoulos were scheduled to sit for depositions just a day before the settlement was reached.
The resolution ensures that the funds will support Trump’s plans to establish a presidential foundation and museum, while ABC News seeks to move forward from the controversy with its public acknowledgment of regret.
This marks the conclusion of yet another high-profile legal case involving Trump as he prepares for his upcoming term as President of the United States.
Leave a Reply