ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos finds himself at the center of a media firestorm following revelations about his role in a costly defamation settlement between ABC News and President-elect Donald Trump. At least $15 million in damages, plus a public apology, stemmed from Stephanopoulos’ repeated and incorrect assertion that Trump had been found “liable for rape” in the E. Jean Carroll civil case—a claim contradicted by the jury’s actual finding of liability for “sexual abuse.”
According to reports, Stephanopoulos was explicitly warned by his executive producer not to use the word “rape” during the March broadcast of This Week featuring Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC). Despite these cautions, Stephanopoulos made the claim multiple times, triggering a legal battle that ultimately forced Disney, ABC’s parent company, to settle with Trump.
Network insiders have described Stephanopoulos’ defiance as a major factor in Disney CEO Bob Iger’s decision to settle quickly. The misstep reportedly shocked Disney executives and raised questions about the network’s editorial standards. The settlement amount—$16 million—includes $15 million for a future presidential library fund tied to Trump and $1 million for legal fees.
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
While Stephanopoulos won’t lose his job, the fallout has reportedly left him “apoplectic,” particularly as his new contract extension with ABC comes under intense scrutiny. The network source revealed that Stephanopoulos was warned “so many times” not to use the term, a directive he apparently disregarded. This lapse not only damaged ABC’s credibility but also became a financial liability for the company.
Critics have been quick to lampoon the situation. One observer quipped, “George, ‘no’ means ‘no.’ Now you must pay the price for not listening.”
For Disney, this debacle is a PR and legal headache it can ill afford. The settlement, reportedly signed off on by Iger, signals a desire to avoid a prolonged and potentially more damaging trial. Legal experts suggest that had the case gone to court, ABC’s editorial decisions could have been placed under a microscope, further tarnishing the network’s reputation.
This high-profile misstep also shines a light on tensions within ABC News, where some employees have expressed frustration over Stephanopoulos’ outsized influence and the network’s handling of the case. The revelation of internal warnings adds another layer of complexity, suggesting that the mistake was avoidable.
This episode raises broader concerns about journalistic accountability, especially in a media landscape that often finds itself at odds with political figures like Trump. While news organizations regularly battle defamation claims, this settlement stands out for its size and the high-profile figures involved.
