Trump Makes $15 Million Bank After Winning Defamation Suit Against ABC News

Source: YouTube

ABC News has agreed to pay $15 million to President-elect Donald Trump to settle a defamation lawsuit over comments made by anchor George Stephanopoulos. The network’s missteps stemmed from statements asserting Trump had been “found liable for raping” writer E. Jean Carroll. This was inaccurate, as the jury had only found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation in civil trials.

The settlement, finalized after a judge ordered depositions from Trump and Stephanopoulos, also requires ABC News and the anchor to issue public apologies. The settlement is one of the largest media payouts Trump has secured, underscoring the risks of inaccuracies in high-profile reporting.

Background on the E. Jean Carroll Case

E. Jean Carroll, a former advice columnist, alleged in a 2019 memoir that Trump raped her in a Manhattan department store in the mid-1990s. Trump denied the accusations, calling them a “hoax.” This led Carroll to file defamation lawsuits against him.

In 2023, a jury ruled Trump was liable for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll. He was ordered to pay $5 million in damages. In a second trial in early 2024, Trump was found liable for additional defamation claims, resulting in an $83.3 million penalty. While Trump has appealed these verdicts, the cases highlight his ongoing legal challenges.

Stephanopoulos’ erroneous statements during an interview with Rep. Nancy Mace in March 2024 mischaracterized these rulings. By repeatedly claiming Trump was liable for rape, the anchor misrepresented the legal outcomes under New York law, where “sexual abuse” and “rape” are distinct legal terms.

Where ABC News Went Wrong

The defamation case highlights the importance of precision in reporting, particularly when addressing legal matters involving public figures. Stephanopoulos made the claim ten times during the broadcast, despite the legal distinction between “sexual abuse” and “rape.” This mischaracterization not only undermined ABC News’ credibility but also opened the door for a defamation lawsuit. Legal analysts note that ABC’s failure to promptly correct the statements likely exacerbated its liability. 

Additionally, Stephanopoulos’ defiance during the early stages of the lawsuit, coupled with his refusal to acknowledge the error until the settlement, painted the network in a negative light. The high-profile nature of the case and the financial settlement reinforce the consequences of inaccuracies in journalism.

Trump’s History with Sexual Misconduct Allegations

While Trump secured a legal victory in this case, his history with allegations of sexual misconduct is extensive. Over two dozen women have accused him of sexual harassment or assault, spanning decades. Trump has consistently denied all accusations, often dismissing them as politically motivated.

Notable cases include allegations by former model Kristin Anderson and journalist Natasha Stoynoff, among others. Trump has faced civil lawsuits, such as the one brought by Carroll, but none of the claims have resulted in criminal charges. Despite these allegations, Trump’s supporters view his legal wins, including this settlement with ABC News, as evidence of his resilience and ability to overcome challenges. However, critics argue that settlements and appeals in such cases reflect broader concerns about accountability for public figures.

What This Case Means for Media Accuracy

The ABC News settlement serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accurate reporting, especially in sensitive legal matters. Media organizations must balance the need for timely reporting with careful fact-checking to avoid costly errors. For ABC News, the fallout includes financial penalties, reputational damage, and a need to rebuild trust with viewers.

Stephanopoulos has since faced backlash, with critics questioning his journalistic integrity. The network has pledged to implement stricter editorial guidelines to prevent similar incidents. As Trump prepares to assume the presidency in 2025, this case underscores the challenges of reporting on polarizing figures and the legal ramifications of getting it wrong.

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