ABC News and George Stephanopoulos have reached a $15 million settlement with President-elect Donald Trump, ending a defamation lawsuit related to comments made on This Week. The agreement includes a formal apology and clarification of statements that mischaracterized the outcome of a civil case involving Trump.
The dispute arose from a March 2024 interview between Stephanopoulos and Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), during which Stephanopoulos alleged that Trump had been “found liable for rape.” In reality, a federal jury had determined Trump was liable for “sexual abuse,” a distinct legal term under New York law. Trump’s lawsuit claimed the repeated use of the term “rape” constituted defamation and caused reputational harm.
🚨BREAKING: George Stephanopoulos and ABC News must apologize and pay Commander in Chief & President Trump $15 million to settle defamation lawsuit. George Stephanopolous falsely stated that Trump r*ped E Jean Carroll. Hell no! 100% lied!
Nothing can stop the Trump Win! FAFO 🤣 pic.twitter.com/GcY2Pclxlf
— AJ Huber (@Huberton) December 14, 2024
In resolving the case, ABC News added an editor’s note to the original article, stating, “ABC News and George Stephanopoulos regret statements regarding President Donald J. Trump made during an interview by George Stephanopoulos with Rep. Nancy Mace on ABC’s This Week on March 10, 2024.”
As part of the settlement, $15 million will be donated to a charitable foundation and museum associated with Trump, similar to those created by past presidents. ABC will also pay $1 million to cover Trump’s legal fees. The settlement was finalized in federal court in Florida, where both parties signed off on the agreement.
JUST IN: ABC News forced to pay $15 million to Trump to settle defamation lawsuit, George Stephanopoulos forced to issue public apology.
The development stems from a March incident where Stephanopoulos claimed Trump was found “liable for r*pe.”
Now, ABC News has to pay $15… pic.twitter.com/jsRuetccuv
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 14, 2024
ABC News released a statement expressing relief at the resolution, noting, “We are pleased that the parties have reached an agreement to dismiss the lawsuit on the terms in the court filing.”
The settlement follows months of legal wrangling, with Stephanopoulos initially defending his comments and filing a motion to dismiss the case. However, the agreement came after a judge ordered depositions for both parties and set a December 24 deadline for a motion to avoid trial.
ABC News has to pay President Trump $15M and $1M in attorney fees as a settlement to the defamation lawsuit he brought after George Stephanopoulos lied by saying that Trump was "found liable for rape."@ABC and George Stephanopoulos also must apologize as part of the settlement.… pic.twitter.com/yhJYcnbw9I
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) December 14, 2024
The outcome represents a significant victory for Trump, reinforcing his stance on media accountability while concluding one of the latest legal battles tied to his high-profile political career.
