ABC’s George Stephanopoulos was repeatedly warned not to use word ‘rape’ by producer — but said it anyway: sources
SUMMARY
ABC's George Stephanopoulos has faced backlash following his use of the word "rape" while discussing a civil lawsuit won by journalist E. Jean Carroll against former President Donald Trump. Despite multiple warnings from his executive producer not to use the term, Stephanopoulos went ahead and said Trump was "liable for rape" during a March interview. This decision led to a $16 million defamation settlement from ABC News to Trump, which surprised many media and legal experts. Sources reveal that ABC News had advised Stephanopoulos to avoid using the word due to potential legal risks, but he proceeded to make the statement, which worsened the lawsuit's outcome for the network. The defamation case stemmed from comments Stephanopoulos made about Trump’s liability, which led to a defamation suit. Trump denied the accusations, and a New York court had previously found him liable for sexual abuse but not for rape. Disney CEO Bob Iger quickly authorized the settlement to avoid a trial.
