ABC News and George Stephanopoulos have settled a defamation lawsuit with President-elect Donald Trump. As part of the settlement, ABC News and Stephanopoulos will pay a $15 million charitable contribution, $1 million for Trump’s attorney fees, and issue an apology.
The settlement, filed on Dec. 14 in the Southern District of Florida, resolves the legal dispute that arose when Trump sued ABC News and Stephanopoulos. The lawsuit stemmed from Stephanopoulos’ on-air statement that Trump was “found liable for rape” by a federal jury.
As a part of the agreement, Stephanopoulos and ABC News will publish a statement of regret as an editor’s note in a March 10, 2024, online article. The statement addresses comments made earlier that led to the lawsuit.
In addition to the apology, ABC News and Stephanopoulos will pay $15 million to a presidential foundation and museum to be established by Trump, along with $1 million to Trump’s counsel.
After the payments are made, Trump’s attorneys will file a stipulation of dismissal with prejudice, preventing the lawsuit from being refiled at a later date.
The lawsuit originated from allegations that Stephanopoulos defamed Trump during an interview with Rep. Nancy Mace. The interview followed civil lawsuits filed by author E. Jean Carroll, accusing Trump of sexual assault. While the jury rejected the rape claim, it found Trump liable for sexual abuse.
ABC had moved to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that the statements made during the interview were protected under the fair report privilege. However, a judge rejected ABC’s motion to dismiss, stating that viewers could have been misled by Stephanopoulos’ statements.
Subsequently, a Florida judge ordered depositions for Trump and Stephanopoulos as part of the lawsuit, which has now been rendered moot by the settlement.
Sam Dorman contributed to this report.
Please rewrite the following sentence:
“The cat chased the mouse around the house.”
Rewritten sentence:
“The mouse was chased by the cat all over the house.”
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