Introduction

In an unprecedented move, ABC News has agreed to pay a staggering $15 million to former President Donald Trump as part of a settlement in a defamation lawsuit. This decision follows inaccurate claims made by prominent anchor George Stephanopoulos, who erroneously stated during a March interview that Trump had been deemed 'liable for rape.'

Details of the Case

The contentious remarks were made during a broadcast on March 10, 2024, as Stephanopoulos grilled Congresswoman Nancy Mace over her support for Trump. The fallout from these statements has been significant, as they contradicted the legal nuances surrounding a previous jury ruling in a civil case, which found Trump liable for 'sexual abuse'—a term defined under New York law.

Settlement Terms

As part of the settlement, ABC News will not only pay the $15 million but will also issue a formal statement expressing their 'regret' for Stephanopoulos's assertions. The network has committed to channeling the settlement funds as a charitable contribution towards a foundation and museum linked to the former president, reminiscent of previous initiatives established by past U.S. presidents.

Additional Reimbursements and Acknowledgments

In addition, ABC will reimburse an additional $1 million in Trump’s legal fees and will append an editor's note to their online news article dated March 10, 2024. This note will clarify the network's position and officially acknowledge the inaccuracies in Stephanopoulos’s statements.

Background Context

Referring back to a landmark case in 2023, a New York civil jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll in a department store dressing room in 1996. However, the court ruled he was not guilty of rape as per the stringent New York Penal Law. Judge Lewis Kaplan pointed out that the legal definition of rape is often more restrictive than the general understanding of the term.

Conclusion

This case has further spotlighted ongoing legal challenges for Trump, who was already ordered to pay $83.3 million to Carroll in a separate defamation case for disparaging her claims. These developments underscore the tumultuous intersection of media, politics, and legal issues surrounding Trump, continuing to capture public interest and debate.

Looking Ahead

Stay tuned as the story unfolds! What does this mean for Trump’s potential political comeback? Could this settlement influence other media outlets?