ABC News Settles $15 Million Defamation Lawsuit with Trump

ABC News has agreed to pay $15 million to settle a defamation lawsuit filed by President-elect Donald Trump after anchor George Stephanopoulos inaccurately claimed that Trump was found 'liable for rape' during a broadcast. The lawsuit originated from comments made during an interview with Representative Nancy Mace on March 10, 2024, concerning the civil case brought against Trump by writer E. Jean Carroll. While a jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse, it did not find him liable for rape, making Stephanopoulos' statement misleading. As part of the settlement, ABC will also pay $1 million in legal fees and publish a formal apology on its website. The funds will be directed toward Trump's future presidential library. ABC News expressed satisfaction with the settlement, which preempts further legal proceedings.