ABC News and its anchor George Stephanopoulos have concluded a defamation lawsuit with President-elect Donald Trump, committing a substantial settlement that includes a public apology and financial compensation.
Politico reported that ABC News will pay $15 million to a Trump-associated foundation and cover $1 million in attorney fees to avoid a devastating legal battle that would have decimated the company.
The legal conflict was initiated by Stephanopoulos’ on-air statement in which he claimed Trump had been found liable for the rape of writer E. Jean Carroll.
This assertion led to the defamation suit filed by Trump, arguing that the claim was factually incorrect as the court rulings did not support the rape allegation specifically.
A previous jury verdict found that Trump had sexually abused and defamed Carroll, however, they stopped short of finding him liable for rape. This discrepancy sparked the legal battle that culminated in the recently announced settlement.
Following the controversial broadcast, ABC News faced significant backlash and legal pressure, leading to a lawsuit filed in federal court.
The settlement was officially filed in a federal court in Miami this past Saturday afternoon, marking the end of the intense legal scrutiny.
Before settling, the court had directed both parties to prepare for upcoming depositions. A federal magistrate judge had ordered Trump and Stephanopoulos to sit for lengthy four-hour depositions next week, which were anticipated to be pivotal in the case.
However, the settlement agreement, filed just before these depositions, precluded the need for further courtroom drama.
According to the terms, ABC News is also required to add an editor’s note of regret to the online article that featured Stephanopoulos' controversial comments, formalizing their retraction and apology.
The lawsuit is part of a broader strategy by Trump, leveraging multiple lawsuits to increase visibility and advance a narrative during his presidential campaign that he is often unfairly targeted. This particular settlement not only bolsters his claims but also substantially benefits a foundation connected to him.
An ABC News spokesperson commented on the resolution, expressing contentment with the final terms. "We are pleased that the parties have reached an agreement to dismiss the lawsuit on the terms in the court filing," said the spokesperson on Saturday, marking an official end to the feud.
The legal victory for Trump comes amidst preparations to assume the presidency, highlighting potential complicacies regarding other open cases that might require his testimony or disclosure of related documents now that he holds office.
Trump’s victory and the subsequent settlement of this lawsuit pose new questions about how his legal entanglements will unfold once he is in office. The resolution of this case could set a precedent for how other cases might be handled, especially those where he might be required to provide sworn testimony.
The substantial financial payout to the Trump-related foundation also raises questions about how these funds will be utilized moving forward, reflecting the significant impact of this legal battle not just in the courts but on public philanthropic engagements associated with political figures.
As Trump prepares to take office, the close of this lawsuit marks a conclusion to one chapter of legal scrutiny but opens the door to the potential challenges that lie ahead as he transitions from litigant to leader.
The settlement has sparked widespread discussions about the responsibilities of media figures and organizations in their coverage of high-profile individuals. The case underscores the influence of media statements on public perception and the legal ramifications of misinformation.
As political tensions continue, the role of the media in shaping these narratives will undoubtedly remain a critical topic of conversation. This case serves as a potent reminder of the fine balance between free speech and factual accuracy required in journalism.