ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos faces scrutiny over his notable absence from social media and silence regarding a significant legal settlement.
According to Fox News, ABC News, and Stephanopoulos, they have agreed to a substantial settlement with President-elect Donald Trump to resolve a defamation lawsuit, yet the anchor avoided addressing the matter during his Sunday show "This Week."
The settlement stems from Stephanopoulos's March 2024 interview with Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., where he repeatedly claimed Trump was found "liable for rape" in a civil case. The statement was made ten times during the contentious exchange, despite the jury actually determining Trump was liable for "sexual abuse" under New York law, a legally distinct term.
The agreement requires ABC News to pay $15 million as a charitable contribution to a presidential foundation and museum to be established by or for Trump. An additional $1 million will cover Trump's attorney fees. The network was also required to issue a statement of regret as an editor's note on their March 10, 2024, online article.
ABC News expressed satisfaction with the resolution, with a spokesperson stating their pleasure in reaching an agreement to dismiss the lawsuit. The settlement terms were detailed in a court filing, marking a significant conclusion to the legal dispute.
The network's concession includes a formal acknowledgment of the disputed statements, demonstrating the serious nature of Trump's legal challenge against the media organization.
Prior to the settlement, Stephanopoulos had maintained a defiant position regarding the lawsuit. During an appearance on Stephen Colbert's show in May, he stated:
Trump sued me because I used the word 'rape,' even though a judge said that's in fact what did happen. We filed a motion to dismiss.
The anchor's recent actions paint a different picture, including the deletion of his X account over the weekend. Instead of addressing the settlement on "This Week," Stephanopoulos focused on other news stories, including coverage of unidentified drones over New Jersey, Syrian conflicts, and Trump's cabinet selections.
His shift from a confrontational stance to silence on the matter reflects the significant impact of the settlement on both the anchor and the network's approach to covering Trump-related matters.
The legal resolution between ABC News and Trump represents a substantial victory for the former president in his ongoing battles with media organizations. The $15 million settlement amount and the required public acknowledgment demonstrate the serious consequences of mischaracterizing legal findings in news coverage.
This case highlights the distinction between legal terms and their use in media reporting, particularly in politically sensitive contexts. The settlement's requirements go beyond financial compensation, including specific measures for public correction of the record.
The settlement with ABC News and Stephanopoulos marks a significant moment in media accountability and legal responsibility for accurate reporting. Trump's success in this case could influence how news organizations approach similar coverage in the future, particularly regarding legal matters involving public figures.
The resolution demonstrates the financial and reputational risks media organizations face when making definitive statements about legal proceedings. The case underscores the importance of precise language in news reporting, especially when covering complex legal matters.
