ABC News has reached a settlement with Donald Trump, agreeing to pay $15 million as part of a defamation lawsuit that arose after anchor George Stephanopoulos incorrectly stated during a broadcast that Trump had been found "liable for rape." The comments were made on March 10, while Stephanopoulos interviewed Congresswoman Nancy Mace about her endorsement of Trump. The network's mischaracterization followed a civil case in which a jury deemed Trump liable for "sexual abuse," a term legally defined in New York, yet did not equate to a finding of rape.
As part of the settlement, ABC News will also donate a charitable contribution intended for a "Presidential foundation and museum" to be created on Trump's behalf, alongside covering $1 million in legal expenses incurred by Trump. The agreement stipulates that ABC will post an editorial correction under its online article from March 10, 2024, expressing regret for the misleading statements made by Stephanopoulos.
An ABC News spokesperson commented they were "pleased" with the resolution, facilitating the dismissal of the lawsuit on its agreed terms. This defamation case follows a previous 2023 civil court ruling that found Trump sexually abused E. Jean Carroll in a department store dressing room in 1996, concluding that while Trump was found liable for abuse, the jury did not support a charge of rape under New York law.
Additionally, a different jury awarded Carroll $83.3 million due to further defamatory remarks made by Trump. This incident reflects an ongoing series of legal challenges faced by Trump, including lawsuits against CBS, CNN, and the New York Times, and shows how media portrayals have sparked significant legal implications in Trump's controversial standing.
