ABC Settles $15M Lawsuit with Trump Over Defamation Claim

ABC Settles $15M Lawsuit with Trump Over Defamation Claim \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ ABC News will pay $15 million toward Donald Trump’s presidential library to settle a defamation lawsuit filed over anchor George Stephanopoulos’ false on-air claim that Trump was found civilly liable for raping E. Jean Carroll. The settlement also includes $1 million in legal fees for Trump’s attorney and a public note of regret posted on ABC’s website.

ABC News and Trump’s Settlement: Quick Looks

• Settlement Terms: ABC News will pay $15 million to Trump’s presidential library and $1 million for his legal fees.
• The False Claim: George Stephanopoulos inaccurately stated on air that Trump was civilly liable for rape.
• Public Apology: ABC News agreed to post a regret note on its website clarifying the error.
• Legal Action: Trump sued Stephanopoulos and ABC for defamation shortly after the segment aired.
• Media Accountability: The case highlights the costly consequences of inaccurate reporting involving public figures.

Deep Look

The Lawsuit and Settlement

ABC News has agreed to pay $15 million to settle a defamation lawsuit filed by Donald Trump after anchor George Stephanopoulos falsely claimed that Trump had been found civilly liable for raping writer E. Jean Carroll. The payment will be directed to Trump’s presidential library fund, according to settlement documents made public on Saturday.

The lawsuit stemmed from a March 10 broadcast of This Week, where Stephanopoulos made the erroneous statement during a segment about Trump’s legal issues. In reality, a civil trial had found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll, but not for rape as defined under New York law. Trump’s legal team filed the defamation suit shortly after the broadcast, citing reputational harm caused by the high-profile error.

As part of the settlement, ABC News will also pay $1 million in legal fees to Trump’s lawyer. The network has agreed to post a public note of regret on its website, acknowledging and correcting the mistake, fulfilling a critical term of the agreement.

The Controversial Statement

The inaccurate remark aired during a widely viewed segment of This Week, one of ABC’s flagship Sunday morning news programs. Stephanopoulos’ claim that Trump had been found civilly liable for rape immediately drew criticism, with Trump’s legal team branding it as “reckless” and “defamatory.”

The statement referenced the outcome of a civil case brought by E. Jean Carroll, in which a jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, awarding Carroll $5 million in damages. However, the jury explicitly did not find Trump liable for rape under the narrow legal definitions in New York law. Trump’s lawyers argued that Stephanopoulos’ mischaracterization damaged Trump’s reputation and accused ABC News of failing to uphold journalistic standards.

Details of the Settlement

The settlement, finalized to avoid a lengthy court battle, requires ABC News to make substantial financial and public concessions. The $15 million payment will contribute to Trump’s presidential library fund, a project intended to commemorate his time in office and document his legacy. In addition, the network must issue a public note on its website expressing regret over the inaccurate reporting, a step aimed at restoring credibility and addressing public concern.

ABC News will also cover $1 million in legal fees incurred by Trump’s lawyer, underscoring the significant costs associated with high-stakes defamation cases. By agreeing to these terms, the network aims to resolve the matter without further legal complications or public scrutiny.

The Broader Implications

This settlement highlights the risks and responsibilities of media organizations, particularly when reporting on high-profile figures like Trump. In an era of rapid news cycles and intense political polarization, inaccuracies can have outsized consequences, both reputationally and financially.

For Trump, the settlement represents a notable victory. His legal team successfully argued that the erroneous reporting caused reputational damage and demanded accountability from a major media organization. The payment toward his presidential library fund also ensures a lasting benefit tied to his legacy.

Public Apology and Accountability

As part of the settlement, ABC News will publish a note of regret on its website, acknowledging the error and clarifying the facts of the Carroll case. The decision reflects an effort to maintain public trust while reinforcing the network’s commitment to journalistic standards.

Legal experts note that the settlement serves as a reminder for media outlets to exercise greater caution when discussing legal matters. Mischaracterizations, particularly involving public figures and sensitive topics, can lead to significant financial and reputational fallout.

Trump’s Response and Future Implications

While Trump has not publicly commented on the settlement, it adds to his history of pursuing legal action against individuals and organizations he believes have wronged him. For his supporters, the settlement is likely to be viewed as a vindication, reinforcing Trump’s frequent criticism of what he terms “fake news.”

The settlement also brings renewed attention to Trump’s presidential library, which has been a topic of speculation since he left office. Although still in its planning stages, the library is expected to serve as a hub for Trump’s supporters and a focal point for his legacy. The $15 million boost from ABC News could accelerate its development.

Media and Legal Landscape

For ABC News, the settlement marks a costly conclusion to a high-profile legal challenge. It underscores the importance of accuracy and accountability in journalism, particularly when covering contentious political figures. The incident also serves as a warning to other media organizations about the potential financial and reputational risks of errors in reporting.

As the dust settles, the case is likely to prompt broader discussions about defamation laws and media responsibility. For Trump and his legal team, it represents a significant win in their ongoing efforts to challenge narratives they deem false or damaging.

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