
In a major legal turn of events, American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (ABC) has reached a $15 million settlement linked to a defamation lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump.
This substantial sum will be contributed to a foundation affiliated with Trump.
Background of the Lawsuit
The controversy stemmed from remarks made by George Stephanopoulos, a prominent anchor at ABC News, which suggested that Trump had been found liable for rape.
Trump’s lawsuit specifically named ABC, ABC News, and Stephanopoulos himself.
While defending his position, Trump noted that a ruling from the US District Court for the Southern District of New York declared him liable for sexual abuse.
However, he contested the interpretation that this ruling equated to a finding of rape under New York law.
Settlement Details
In response, Stephanopoulos asserted that his comments were protected under public discourse related to legal proceedings.
He cited Judge Lewis A. Kaplan, who presided over the case, pointing out that the judge had stated that E. Jean Carroll had indeed been raped.
However, Judge Kaplan also clarified that while Carroll did not meet the legal definition of rape in New York, this did not rule out the possibility of sexual assault in a broader context.
Implications of the Settlement
As part of the settlement, ABC will also pay $1 million to cover Trump’s legal expenses and will issue an editor’s note expressing regret for the controversial statements made during the interview that sparked the legal action.
This development underscores the complexities surrounding public commentary on high-profile legal cases and the fine line between journalistic freedom and the potential for defamation.
Source: Jurist