George Stephanopoulos and ABC apologize to Trump, are forced to pay $15 million to settle defamation suit
SUMMARY
Donald Trump and ABC News, along with anchor George Stephanopoulos, have reached a settlement in a defamation lawsuit filed by Trump. The network agreed to pay $15 million to fund a presidential foundation and museum for Trump, along with $1 million to cover his attorney fees. Stephanopoulos and ABC also issued a public statement of "regret" for inaccurate claims made during a March 2024 interview. The controversy stemmed from Stephanopoulos repeatedly stating that Trump had been found "liable for rape" in a civil case involving E. Jean Carroll, despite the jury ruling Trump liable for "sexual abuse," not rape, under New York law. The settlement was reached after U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisette M. Reid ordered depositions ahead of a potential trial. Trump's legal team continues to pursue other lawsuits, including a $10 billion case against CBS News.
