In a recent development, American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (ABC) has agreed to resolve a defamation lawsuit filed by the US President-elect, Donald Trump, by paying $15 million to a presidential foundation. The lawsuit arose from statements made by ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos, who during a March 2024 interview with Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC) questioned her endorsement of Trump, citing a court decision finding him liable for the rape of writer E. Jean Carroll.
Trump’s defamation claim centered on the assertion that he was found liable for rape, while he contends that the court actually found him liable for sexual abuse— a distinction under New York’s Penal Law. These details are documented in a memorandum opinion by Judge Lewis A. Kaplan, where he clarifies the jury’s findings concerning the incident between Trump and Carroll. The judge noted that while Carroll did not prove rape under New York law’s specific definition, the jury’s findings aligned with what many commonly understand as rape. This opinion is available for review in the court docket memorandum.
Stephanopoulos defended his statements by invoking protections under both the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Florida’s common law regarding court proceedings’ reports. His stance was that his journalistic reporting was safeguarded by these legal frameworks, and he cited Judge Kaplan’s own statements on the case.
In addition to the monetary settlement, ABC is required to cover $1 million for Trump’s legal expenses and publish an apologetic editor’s note alongside the interview’s article addressing the disputed assertions. This settlement further demonstrates the continuing impact of legal boundaries in media reporting and the complexities involved in high-profile defamation cases. More details on the settlement can be found on JURIST.