In March 2024, Stephanopoulos incorrectly claimed Trump was found "liable for rape" during a segment with Congresswoman Nancy Mace. A jury had found Trump liable for "sexual abuse" in a previous case. As part of the settlement, ABC News will make a charitable payment to a presidential foundation in Trump’s name, alongside covering his legal fees. Furthermore, ABC will issue a statement expressing regret for the false claims.
Despite the legal challenges that Trump faces, including separate cases against other media outlets, this settlement offers a significant win for the former president in his ongoing battle with the media.
In the landmark case, ABC agreed to pay $15 million as a charitable contribution to a foundation connected with Trump. The case stemmed from comments made by George Stephanopoulos, who, during a March interview, incorrectly asserted that Trump was "liable for rape." According to New York law, the jury had ruled Trump was guilty of "sexual abuse," while the definition of "rape" as considered by the court was specifically narrow.
The settlement includes a $1 million contribution to cover Trump's legal fees, and ABC has committed to putting an editor's note clarifying their earlier statements on their website. An ABC spokesperson expressed satisfaction with the resolution of the lawsuit, which had become a point of contention.
In 2023, a civil court had concluded Trump had sexually abused E Jean Carroll in a department store incident back in 1996. While Trump was found liable for defamation against Carroll, the jury did not conclusively find him guilty of rape under specific legal definitions.
During the contentious March broadcast, Stephanopoulos repeated the incorrect claim multiple times as he questioned Congresswoman Mace about supporting Trump. With legal complications mounting from various lawsuits against media companies like CBS and CNN, this ABC News settlement marks a rare victory in the complex battlefield of politics and media.
Despite the legal challenges that Trump faces, including separate cases against other media outlets, this settlement offers a significant win for the former president in his ongoing battle with the media.
In the landmark case, ABC agreed to pay $15 million as a charitable contribution to a foundation connected with Trump. The case stemmed from comments made by George Stephanopoulos, who, during a March interview, incorrectly asserted that Trump was "liable for rape." According to New York law, the jury had ruled Trump was guilty of "sexual abuse," while the definition of "rape" as considered by the court was specifically narrow.
The settlement includes a $1 million contribution to cover Trump's legal fees, and ABC has committed to putting an editor's note clarifying their earlier statements on their website. An ABC spokesperson expressed satisfaction with the resolution of the lawsuit, which had become a point of contention.
In 2023, a civil court had concluded Trump had sexually abused E Jean Carroll in a department store incident back in 1996. While Trump was found liable for defamation against Carroll, the jury did not conclusively find him guilty of rape under specific legal definitions.
During the contentious March broadcast, Stephanopoulos repeated the incorrect claim multiple times as he questioned Congresswoman Mace about supporting Trump. With legal complications mounting from various lawsuits against media companies like CBS and CNN, this ABC News settlement marks a rare victory in the complex battlefield of politics and media.
