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ABC News Retains George Stephanopoulos After $16M Settlement in Trump Defamation Lawsuit Over 'Liable for Rape' Claim

Dec 18, 2024, 11:26 PM

ABC News has signed a new multi-year contract with George Stephanopoulos, despite the network's recent $16 million settlement with President-elect Donald Trump over a defamation lawsuit. The settlement stemmed from Stephanopoulos's on-air statement that Trump was 'liable for rape,' a claim that was inaccurate as a jury had found Trump liable for sexual abuse, not rape, in a case involving writer E. Jean Carroll. The lawsuit was filed after Stephanopoulos made the comment during an interview with Rep. Nancy Mace on 'This Week' on March 10. The settlement included a $15 million payment to a presidential foundation and museum for Trump, $1 million in legal fees, and a statement of regret from ABC News and Stephanopoulos. The decision to settle was approved by Disney CEO Bob Iger, who was concerned about the potential damage to press protections and the Disney brand. Disney's top lawyer, Horacio Gutierrez, urged Iger to settle rather than risk a civil trial. Despite the settlement, ABC News chose to retain Stephanopoulos, who reportedly earns up to $20 million annually, amid speculation about his future at the network. There were concerns that an unfavorable ruling could lead to an appeal to the Supreme Court, potentially overturning the New York Times v. Sullivan decision.