In a significant legal outcome, ABC News and George Stephanopoulos will pay $15 million to Donald Trump to resolve a defamation suit linked to incorrect statements made during an interview on March 10, 2024. The settlement stems from repeated allegations that Trump had been found "liable for rape," which the network now acknowledges as incorrect. As part of the agreement, ABC will also make a $1 million contribution to Trump's legal fees and publish a statement of regret concerning the misstatements made during the broadcast.
Trump Receives $15 Million Settlement from ABC News for Defamation
Trump Receives $15 Million Settlement from ABC News for Defamation
ABC News has agreed to a $15 million settlement with Donald Trump following false claims made during a televised interview.
On the aforementioned date, Stephanopoulos questioned Rep. Nancy Mace about her support for Trump and erroneously claimed he had been found guilty of rape by judges and juries. This remark was made multiple times throughout the interview, leading to public misinformation regarding the court's rulings. Legal experts clarified that although Trump was found liable for sexual abuse in a separate New York civil case regarding E. Jean Carroll, the legal definitions of sexual assault and rape differ significantly under New York law.
As further details emerged from the case, it was noted that Judge Lewis Kaplan's jury findings highlighted distinctions in the definitions of sexual abuse and rape, prompting claims of misinterpretation not just within public discourse but also within the media. Following the funding stipulations of the settlement, ABC stated their satisfaction with reaching an agreement, emphasizing their commitment to rectifying the misinformation disseminated during the March interview.
The implications of this settlement extend beyond the financial compensation, raising discussions about journalistic accuracy and the responsibility of media figures. In the wake of this controversy, Trump's ongoing legal battles have led to other lawsuits against various media organizations for similar perceived offenses, indicating a continued scrutiny of public statements made about him.
The interplay between media representation and legal definitions continues to be a focal point in Trump's public narrative as he navigates his post-presidency life amidst numerous lawsuits.
As further details emerged from the case, it was noted that Judge Lewis Kaplan's jury findings highlighted distinctions in the definitions of sexual abuse and rape, prompting claims of misinterpretation not just within public discourse but also within the media. Following the funding stipulations of the settlement, ABC stated their satisfaction with reaching an agreement, emphasizing their commitment to rectifying the misinformation disseminated during the March interview.
The implications of this settlement extend beyond the financial compensation, raising discussions about journalistic accuracy and the responsibility of media figures. In the wake of this controversy, Trump's ongoing legal battles have led to other lawsuits against various media organizations for similar perceived offenses, indicating a continued scrutiny of public statements made about him.
The interplay between media representation and legal definitions continues to be a focal point in Trump's public narrative as he navigates his post-presidency life amidst numerous lawsuits.
