ABC News reached a landmark defamation settlement related to a lawsuit brought by then-President-elect Donald Trump over false statements made by ABC anchor George Stephanopoulos during a broadcast. The settlement provides a financial payment to a foundation associated with Trump, a formal apology from ABC News, and reimbursement of legal fees. This case underscores the complexities surrounding defamation law, media responsibility, and public figure protections.
Background of the ABC News Defamation Settlement
The defamation lawsuit was filed after George Stephanopoulos, in a March 10, 2024, episode of “This Week,” inaccurately stated multiple times that Donald Trump had been found “liable for rape” regarding allegations made by writer E. Jean Carroll. The remarks were made during an interview with Congresswoman Nancy Mace. Trump sued Stephanopoulos and ABC News shortly after, claiming the statements were defamatory and false.
Subsequent legal proceedings involved clarification of the findings in Carroll’s civil case against Trump. While a jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation against Carroll, it did not find him liable for rape under New York law, which has a narrower legal definition than commonly used interpretations. The distinction became central to the defamation claim.
Terms and Eligibility of the ABC News Defamation Settlement
The settlement was publicly announced in December 2024. Major terms include:
- Financial Payment: ABC News agreed to contribute $15 million to a “presidential foundation and museum” to be established by or for Donald Trump.
- Legal Fees: The network will also pay $1 million toward Trump’s attorney fees.
- Public Apology: ABC News issued an editor’s note on the original interview article expressing regret for the inaccurate statements made by Stephanopoulos.
- No Admission of Wrongdoing: The settlement denies any wrongdoing by ABC News or George Stephanopoulos.
Legal Framework and Reasoning Behind the Settlement
The defamation case centered around the difficulty of proving defamation involving a public figure, requiring the plaintiff to demonstrate that false statements were made with “actual malice.” ABC News likely evaluated the risks of prolonged litigation given the sensitive nature of the comments and the complicated legal distinctions involved.
The settlement reflects strategic considerations by ABC to resolve the case without admitting fault while addressing the reputational damage and avoiding costly trial proceedings.
Impact of the ABC News Defamation Settlement
- Reputational Effects: The settlement underscores the challenges broadcasters face in reporting on high-profile legal matters involving public figures.
- Media Responsibility: Reinforces the importance of accuracy in public statements and the potential consequences of misrepresenting legal outcomes.
- Public Dialogue: The case highlights ongoing debates about press freedom, legal standards for defamation, and the balance between reporting and protecting individual reputations.
Current Status and Updates on the ABC News Defamation Settlement
The settlement was finalized in December 2024, with payments scheduled for transfer to Trump’s foundation and legal team as per the agreement. The editor’s note expressing regret remains appended to the original content online. Both parties agreed to dismiss the lawsuit, concluding the legal dispute.
Conclusion
The ABC News defamation settlement with Donald Trump provides a notable example of the intersection between media law, public figures’ rights, and journalistic responsibility. While protecting freedom of the press remains paramount, this case illustrates the consequences of inaccurate reporting and the steps media organizations may take to resolve legal challenges while maintaining their credibility.
