ABC News Settles Trump Defamation Lawsuit for $15 Million, Issues Public Apology

ABC News has agreed to pay $15 million and issue a public apology to President-elect Donald Trump, settling a defamation lawsuit over remarks made by anchor George Stephanopoulos. The lawsuit arose from comments claiming Trump was “found liable for raping” writer E. Jean Carroll, a statement that inaccurately represented the legal verdicts in Carroll’s civil cases against Trump.

Settlement Details

The settlement requires ABC News to:

• Pay $15 million to a fund dedicated to a “presidential foundation and museum” for Trump.
• Cover an additional $1 million in legal fees.
• Issue a public apology during a live interview with Representative Nancy Mace on This Week.

Origins of the Lawsuit

The defamation suit, filed in federal court in Miami shortly after the segment aired, argued that Stephanopoulos’s repeated misstatements about the Carroll cases caused significant harm to Trump’s reputation. The inaccurate remarks referred to Trump as being liable for rape, whereas he had been found liable for sexual abuse and defamation under New York law.

In 2023, a jury awarded Carroll $5 million in damages after determining Trump had sexually abused and defamed her. In a separate trial in January 2024, Trump was found liable for additional defamation claims and ordered to pay $83.3 million. Trump is currently appealing both verdicts.

Reactions and Broader Implications

Trump’s legal team celebrated the settlement as another victory for the President-elect, who has seen multiple legal challenges dismissed or delayed since his November 5 election victory.

“This settlement underscores the importance of journalistic accuracy and accountability,” said a spokesperson for Trump’s legal team. ABC News and Stephanopoulos have not provided further comments beyond the agreed apology.

The lawsuit adds to Trump’s string of post-election legal wins, including the dismissal of charges related to classified documents and a pause on federal election subversion cases. However, Trump continues to face legal battles, including racketeering charges in Georgia.

What’s Next

The public apology is scheduled to take place during Stephanopoulos’s interview with Rep. Nancy Mace. This marks a rare instance where a major media network has not only financially settled but also publicly acknowledged misreporting about a public figure.

The settlement and apology may have lasting implications for media coverage and the responsibilities of broadcasters when reporting on high-profile individuals and legal cases.