In a high-profile settlement, ABC News and anchor George Stephanopoulos have resolved a defamation lawsuit brought by President-elect Donald Trump by agreeing to issue a public apology and provide $15 million to fund Trump’s future presidential library. The settlement, detailed in court documents filed on Saturday, allows both parties to avoid court-ordered depositions that had been scheduled for next week.
Trump initially filed the lawsuit in March after Stephanopoulos claimed during an interview on This Week that a jury had found Trump “liable for rape” in a civil lawsuit brought by E. Jean Carroll, an advice columnist. The jury had actually determined Trump was liable for sexual abuse under New York law, but not for rape. Trump’s legal team argued that the mischaracterization damaged his reputation as a then-presidential candidate, seeking an unspecified amount in damages.
Terms of the Settlement
Under the agreement:
• ABC News will place $15 million in escrow to support Trump’s future presidential library and foundation.
• ABC News will also pay $1 million in attorneys’ fees.
• An editor’s note will be appended to the original article, clarifying the error.
The editor’s note reads:
“ABC News and George Stephanopoulos regret statements regarding President Donald J. Trump made during an interview by George Stephanopoulos with Rep. Nancy Mace on ABC’s This Week on March 10, 2024.”
In return, Trump has agreed to dismiss the lawsuit and waive any further legal claims related to the interview.
Avoiding Depositions
The case had been progressing toward trial after a judge rejected ABC News’ attempt to dismiss it. As part of discovery, the court had recently ordered both Trump and Stephanopoulos to sit for depositions lasting up to four hours. The settlement eliminates the need for such proceedings, which could have brought additional public scrutiny to both parties.
Statements from Both Sides
ABC News issued a statement expressing relief over the settlement:
“We are pleased that the parties have reached an agreement to dismiss the lawsuit on the terms in the court filing.”
Trump’s legal team also celebrated the resolution, calling it a victory for accountability in media reporting.
The settlement, first reported by Fox News Digital, marks a rare public acknowledgment of error by a major news outlet. It also underscores Trump’s ongoing effort to combat what he perceives as media bias against him.
Looking Ahead
The resolution of this lawsuit may signal a new chapter in Trump’s contentious relationship with the mainstream media as he prepares to assume the presidency in January. For ABC News, it serves as a costly reminder of the importance of precision in reporting on highly sensitive legal matters involving public figures.