ABC News Settles Defamation Lawsuit with Donald Trump for $15 Million Over Rape Claim
In a significant legal development, ABC News has agreed to a $15 million settlement with former President Donald Trump, resolving a defamation lawsuit stemming from inaccurate statements made by anchor George Stephanopoulos during a live broadcast. The controversy erupted on March 10, 2024, during an episode of "This Week," where Stephanopoulos falsely asserted that Trump had been “found liable for rape” in a previous civil case. This erroneous claim, repeated multiple times during an interview with South Carolina Congresswoman Nancy Mace, became the basis of Trump’s legal action against the network.
The heart of the dispute lies in the specific legal terminology used by Stephanopoulos versus the actual findings of the 2023 civil case. While a jury did find Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation in the case brought by E. Jean Carroll, the verdict pertained to sexual abuse under New York law, a distinct legal category from rape in that state. The mischaracterization of the verdict by Stephanopoulos, despite the significant financial penalties imposed on Trump in the original case, formed the crux of the defamation claim. The jury in the Carroll case awarded her $83 million in damages – a verdict that Trump is currently appealing.
The settlement agreement reached between ABC News and Trump involves a substantial financial payment of $15 million, designated for a planned Trump presidential library and museum. This earmarking of the settlement funds suggests a strategic move by the Trump team to direct resources towards legacy-building initiatives. In addition to the $15 million payment, ABC News will also cover $1 million of Trump’s legal expenses incurred during the lawsuit. The network has also issued a public editor’s note on its website, appended to the original March 10 article, acknowledging the error and providing the correct legal context of the jury’s findings in the Carroll case. In a brief statement, ABC News expressed satisfaction with resolving the matter “on the terms outlined in the court filing,” signaling a desire to move past the controversy.
This settlement marks another chapter in Trump’s ongoing legal battles with various media organizations. He has previously filed defamation lawsuits against other prominent news outlets, including CBS and CNN. While the ABC News case resulted in a substantial settlement, Trump’s legal record against media companies has been mixed. A federal judge dismissed his defamation lawsuit against CNN in 2023, while similar cases against The New York Times and The Washington Post were also unsuccessful. This string of legal actions highlights the contentious relationship between Trump and the media, a dynamic characterized by frequent accusations of bias and unfair reporting.
The ABC News settlement underscores the significant legal and reputational risks media organizations face when reporting on high-profile individuals like Donald Trump. In today’s fast-paced media landscape, the demand for immediate reporting often clashes with the need for meticulous accuracy. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of precise language, particularly when dealing with sensitive legal matters. The mischaracterization of the verdict against Trump, even if unintentional, carried significant consequences for ABC News.
This case also highlights the increasing scrutiny applied to media reporting in the digital age. The rapid dissemination of information online, coupled with the potential for widespread sharing and commentary on social media, amplifies the impact of inaccuracies. Even seemingly minor errors can quickly escalate into major controversies, leading to legal challenges and reputational damage. The ABC News settlement serves as a cautionary tale for news organizations, emphasizing the critical need for stringent fact-checking processes and a commitment to correcting errors promptly and transparently. It also underscores the vital role of accuracy and accountability in maintaining public trust in journalism. The balancing act between speed and accuracy remains a constant challenge for media organizations, and this case serves as a crucial learning experience for the industry as a whole.