George Stephanopoulos, the veteran ABC News anchor and former Clinton aide, faces mounting tension at the network following a controversial settlement.
According to Daily Mail, ABC News has agreed to pay Donald Trump $16 million to settle a defamation lawsuit, with Stephanopoulos reportedly feeling "apoplectic" and "humiliated" over being compelled to issue a public apology.
The settlement includes $15 million directed towards Trump's presidential foundation and $1 million for legal fees. The case stemmed from Stephanopoulos's March interview, where he incorrectly stated Trump had been found liable for rape in the E. Jean Carroll civil case when the jury had actually found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation.
The decision to settle has created significant internal discord at ABC News, with many staff members expressing anger over the network's handling of the situation. Employees have noted the lack of internal communication from management, particularly following recent departmental layoffs.
One ABC insider revealed Stephanopoulos's growing isolation within the network. The source described how the anchor's trusted circle has diminished over time, leaving him feeling vulnerable to corporate decisions.
According to staffers, the network's silence on reporting about its own settlement has only intensified the internal frustration. As one employee noted:
It's front-page news everywhere, yet ABC doesn't report on itself. It's another gut punch. The sheer level of embarrassment—people are furious.
Industry analysts suggest the settlement was orchestrated by Disney CEO Bob Iger to prevent prolonged legal exposure, particularly with Trump's return to the White House approaching. The decision was reportedly made at the corporate level rather than within the news division.
Recent developments indicate potential strategic realignments within Disney's leadership. Disney executive Debra O'Connell's visit to Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate and dinner with his incoming chief of staff, Susie Wiles, suggests attempts to reset relations.
The settlement decision was influenced by concerns about corporate emails and internal discussions being exposed during discovery proceedings. Legal experts familiar with corporate litigation tactics explained the strategy behind avoiding public disclosure of sensitive documents.
Stephanopoulos has responded to the situation by deactivating his X account, cutting ties with over 2.3 million followers. This move came after he had previously defended himself against Trump's defamation claims, stating:
George is a very guarded person. His circle of trust is so small, and a lot of them don't work [at ABC anymore]. He felt cornered and blindsided.
The network will post a note expressing regret over the March 10 segment claims on its website. The controversy centers on Stephanopoulos's interview with Rep. Nancy Mace, where he made statements about Trump being found liable for rape.
The case highlights ongoing challenges between media organizations and Trump, who is currently pursuing a $10 billion lawsuit against CBS News for alleged deceptive conduct during a Vice President Kamala Harris interview.
The $16 million settlement between ABC News and Donald Trump has created significant ripples within the media industry, particularly affecting George Stephanopoulos's position at ABC News. The veteran anchor's required public apology and the network's decision to settle have sparked internal tensions and raised questions about corporate influence on news coverage. The case emerged from Stephanopoulos's mischaracterization of the E. Jean Carroll verdict during a March interview, leading to Trump's defamation claim.
