ABC News, Stephanopoulos Settle Defamation Case with Trump for $16 Million
In a meaningful development, ABC News adn its chief anchor, George Stephanopoulos, have agreed to a $16 million settlement to resolve a defamation lawsuit filed by Donald Trump. The suit, stemming from StephanopoulosS commentary on the E. Jean Carroll case, concludes a high-profile legal battle.
Filed July 15th in the Southern District Court of Florida,the lawsuit alleged that Stephanopoulos knowingly made false and malicious statements.The settlement, announced Saturday, mandates a $15 million payment to a ”presidential foundation and museum to be established by or for the plaintiff,” according to court documents – specifically, the Donald Trump Presidential Library. An additional $1 million will cover Trump’s legal fees. Both ABC News and Stephanopoulos will also issue statements expressing regret.
This settlement averts a trial that was imminent. Trump’s complaint accused Stephanopoulos, host of “This Week With George Stephanopoulos,” of repeatedly falsely claiming that Trump had been convicted of raping Carroll.
The backdrop to this settlement is a previous May ruling were a jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation of Carroll. The jury determined that Trump had inappropriately touched Carroll without her consent in a department store dressing room in the 1990s. While the jury did not find Trump guilty of rape, he was ordered to pay Carroll $5 million in damages. A subsequent ruling added another $83.3 million in damages for defamation.
Judge Lewis Kaplan,presiding over both cases,stated that the jury concluded Carroll hadn’t proven Trump raped her “within the strict and technical meaning of a particular section of the New York Penal Law.” He further clarified that the legal definition of rape is “much narrower” than its common usage in everyday language, dictionaries, and various federal and state statutes.
The settlement marks a significant conclusion to a case that has captivated national attention and highlights the complexities of defamation law and high-profile legal battles in the United States.
Defamation and dollars: Inside the Trump-Stephanopoulos Settlement
Samantha James: Welcome back too World Today News. Joining us today to discuss the recent $16 million settlement reached between ABC news, George Stephanopoulos, and Donald trump is media law expert, Professor Emily Chen of Columbia Law School.Professor Chen, thanks for joining us.
professor Chen: Thanks for having me. This is a fascinating case with implications beyond just these individual players.
Samantha James: Absolutely. For our viewers who may have missed the headlines,can you give us a brief overview of the lawsuit itself?
Professor Chen: Of course. In essence, Donald Trump sued ABC News and specifically George Stephanopoulos, host of “This Week,” for defamation. This stemmed from Stephanopoulos’s commentary regarding the E. Jean Carroll case, where she accused Trump of sexual assault. Trump alleged that Stephanopoulos repeatedly falsely stated that he’d been convicted of raping Carroll, which he argued damaged his reputation.
Samantha James: And this revolves around the nuance between the legal definition of rape and its broader usage, correct?
Professor Chen: Precisely. A jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation of Carroll, but not specifically rape. Judge Kaplan, presiding over both cases, clarified that the legal definition of rape is narrower than its common understanding. Stephanopoulos,in his commentary,used the term “rape,” which led to this dispute.
Samantha James: The settlement was a notable sum – $16 million. What does this tell us about the stakes involved in these types of cases?
professor Chen: it highlights just how high the stakes are, especially when you have prominent public figures involved. Defamation lawsuits can be incredibly costly to defend,and the potential for reputational damage is immense. This settlement likely reflects a desire by both parties to avoid a lengthy and perhaps damaging trial.
Samantha James: The settlement agreement also stipulates that ABC News and Stephanopoulos will issue statements of regret.How impactful do you think that will be?
Professor Chen: It depends on the wording of those statements, of course. But acknowledging regret can be a powerful tool in mitigating the initial harm caused by the allegedly defamatory statements. It shows a willingness to take duty and potentially begin to repair any damage done to Trump’s reputation.
Samantha James: Professor Chen, thanks so much for your insightful analysis of this complex case. It certainly sheds light on the frequently enough murky waters of defamation law.
Professor Chen: My pleasure. Happy to help your viewers understand this critically important legal battle.
