ABC News and anchor George Stephanopoulos have settled a $16 million defamation lawsuit with President-elect Donald Trump after a false statement was aired on the network. The claim, made during a broadcast of This Week with George Stephanopoulos, incorrectly asserted that Trump had been found civilly liable for raping writer E. Jean Carroll.
Settlement Details
As part of the settlement, ABC News has agreed to pay $15 million toward Trump’s presidential library and an additional $1 million to cover his legal expenses. The network also issued a formal public apology, acknowledging the error and expressing regret for the statements made on air.
Stephanopoulos Reacts
George Stephanopoulos, who is reportedly furious over the settlement and apology, has since deactivated his social media accounts and limited public appearances. While he remains with ABC News, the situation has been described as a significant embarrassment for the veteran anchor, highlighting internal discord within the network.
Fallout Within ABC
The settlement has reportedly caused tensions within ABC News, with staff expressing frustration over the network’s handling of the incident. Employees have criticized the lack of internal communication regarding the lawsuit and expressed concerns about the impact on the network’s credibility.
Broader Implications
The settlement is seen as a victory for Trump, reinforcing his commitment to holding media organizations accountable for what he considers unfair or inaccurate reporting. Trump has hinted at pursuing additional legal actions against media outlets, raising questions about how this could impact journalistic practices and press freedoms moving forward.
This high-profile case underscores the stakes for media organizations in ensuring accuracy when reporting on prominent public figures, particularly in a politically charged environment. For ABC News, the settlement serves as a costly reminder of the importance of journalistic standards and accountability.