ABC News Settles Donald Trump Defamation Lawsuit for $15 Million
Learn about Trump's defamation lawsuit against the famous chain. Learn the terms of the agreement and the resolution of the case.
Posted on 12/17/24 at 07:33
- Trump’s Defamation Lawsuit Settled
- News Network Confirms Allegations
- Controversy in Media and Politics
ABC News and journalist George Stephanopoulos have resolved a defamation lawsuit filed by President-elect Donald Trump.
The settlement includes a public apology and a $15 million payment to fund Trump’s future presidential library.
Announced on Saturday, December 14, the agreement avoids court depositions that were scheduled for the following week.
Court documents also reveal that ABC News will cover $1 million in legal fees and add an editorial note to the controversial article.
ABC News Statement on Trump
Trump filed the lawsuit in March, citing false statements by Stephanopoulos regarding a verdict in the E. Jean Carroll case.
While the jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse, it did not determine that he committed rape under New York law.
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As part of the settlement, $15 million will be deposited into a special account for Trump’s future presidential library and foundation.
«ABC News and George Stephanopoulos regret the statements made about Donald Trump during an interview on This Week on March 10, 2024,» the network stated.
rump agreed to withdraw the lawsuit and waive any further claims stemming from the interview.
«We are pleased that the parties have reached an understanding to resolve this matter,» said an ABC News spokesperson.
Trump’s team referred all comments to the text of the agreement, according to The Hill.
The dispute arose from Stephanopoulos’s statements, which Trump’s attorneys argued caused significant damage to his reputation.
The lawsuit proceeded after a judge denied ABC News’s motion to dismiss it.
On Friday, a judge had ordered both Trump and Stephanopoulos to undergo depositions of up to four hours.
The case highlights the ongoing tension between Trump and the media, which he frequently accuses of spreading false information.
Trump’s defamation lawsuit was filed during a trial in which E. Jean Carroll accused him of assaulting her in a New York department store in the 1990s.
#BREAKING ABC News agrees to pay $15 million to Trump and issue a public apology over defamation pic.twitter.com/hWn2dVzvuC
— Fast News Network (@fastnewsnet) December 14, 2024
The jury’s May verdict found Trump liable for sexual abuse but not rape, a critical distinction under state law.
Despite the verdict, Carroll continued to describe the attack as a rape, prompting Trump to attempt a defamation countersuit.
However, a judge dismissed Trump’s action, ruling that the differences between legal terms were minor and that Carroll’s account remained substantially accurate.
The settlement with ABC News avoids a prolonged trial but underscores the legal challenges Trump continues to face.
This case highlights the delicate nature of media coverage involving public figures and legal accusations.
With the controversy resolved, both Trump and ABC News aim to move forward without the strain of a court battle.
However, the incident raises questions about the media’s responsibility in reporting on high-profile legal cases.
The settlement is an unusual resolution combining financial compensation, public corrections, and mutual benefits for the parties involved, noted The Hill.
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