Trump Settles Defamation Lawsuit Against ABC News for $15M
ABC News has agreed to a $15 million settlement in a defamation lawsuit brought by US President-elect Donald Trump. The lawsuit stemmed from false statements made by ABC anchor George Stephanopoulos, who claimed Trump had been found “liable for rape.”
The false statements were made on March 10, 2024, during an interview on This Week with Republican congresswoman Nancy Mace. The settlement includes a $15 million charitable donation to a presidential foundation Trump intends to establish, $1 million for his legal fees, and a public apology from ABC News.
What Prompted the Defamation Lawsuit?
Stephanopoulos repeatedly stated that “judges and two separate juries have found [Trump] liable for rape,” which Trump’s legal team argued was both inaccurate and defamatory.
The case referenced by Stephanopoulos involved a 2023 New York civil trial where Trump was found liable for “sexual abuse” against magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll but not rape under the specific legal definition in New York.
Judge Lewis Kaplan, who presided over the case, noted that New York’s legal definition of rape was narrower than common interpretations. Carroll was awarded $83.3 million in damages in a separate defamation case against Trump.
Terms of the Settlement
ABC News will post an editor’s note on its website clarifying the misstatements and expressing regret. The note will appear on the March 10 online article tied to the interview. It reads:
“ABC News and George Stephanopoulos regret statements regarding President Donald J. Trump made during an interview with Rep. Nancy Mace on March 10, 2024.”
An ABC News spokesperson confirmed, “We are pleased that the parties have reached an agreement to dismiss the lawsuit.”
Trump’s Ongoing Legal Battles with the Media
Trump has frequently pursued legal action against media outlets. In addition to suing ABC News, he has filed lawsuits against CBS, CNN, and others:
- CBS: Alleged “deceptive conduct” regarding an interview with Kamala Harris.
- CNN: A 2023 lawsuit alleging the network likened him to Adolf Hitler was dismissed.
- The New York Times and Washington Post: Trump’s lawsuits against both were also dismissed.
Despite mixed results in court, the $15 million settlement with ABC marks a significant legal victory for Trump, as it includes both monetary compensation and a formal public acknowledgment of wrongdoing.
- External Link: For more details, read the BBC coverage on defamation lawsuits.
- Internal Link: Explore similar legal updates on Kenkou Land.
