ABC News to Pay $15 Million to Trump's Foundation in Defamation Settlement Over Rape Claim

Dec 15, 2024, 04:55 AM

ABC News and anchor George Stephanopoulos have agreed to pay $15 million and cover $1 million in legal fees to President-elect Donald Trump to settle a defamation lawsuit over inaccurate statements made on-air. The lawsuit stemmed from Stephanopoulos's comments during a March interview in which he incorrectly stated that Trump was found civilly liable for raping writer E. Jean Carroll, when he was actually found liable for sexual assault, not rape. As part of the settlement, ABC will contribute $15 million to Trump's future presidential foundation or museum, cover $1 million in legal fees, and issue a public apology. According to court documents, ABC News must publish a corrective statement by Sunday.