The settlement was publicly filed Saturday, just days before the two sides were set to sit for depositions in the case.
ABC News and anchor George Stephanopoulos have agreed to a $16 million settlement with President-elect Donald Trump to resolve a defamation lawsuit. The settlement includes a $15 million donation to a presidential foundation and museum to be established by Trump, and $1 million for Trump’s attorney fees.
Additionally, ABC News and Stephanopoulos will issue public apologies for statements made during a March 2024 interview where Stephanopoulos incorrectly claimed that Trump had been “found liable for rape.” In reality, a Manhattan jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming E. Jean Carroll, but not for rape.
This agreement comes just days before Trump and Stephanopoulos were scheduled for depositions, following a court order. The settlement aims to resolve the defamation claims without further legal proceedings.
JUST IN: ABC News forced to pay $15 million to Trump to settle defamation lawsuit, George Stephanopoulos forced to issue public apology.
The development stems from a March incident where Stephanopoulos claimed Trump was found “liable for r*pe.”
Now, ABC News has to pay $15… pic.twitter.com/jsRuetccuv
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 14, 2024
