ABC News and George Stephanopoulos settled a lawsuit filed by Donald Trump for $15 million, including a donation to a future presidential library and covering Trump’s legal fees. The settlement, following a deposition order for Trump, prompted strong criticism, with many commentators labeling it a “sellout” and an “awful precedent.” Critics expressed concern that the network caved to pressure, setting a worrying precedent for future conflicts. The case stemmed from an interview where Stephanopoulos questioned Rep. Nancy Mace about her Trump endorsement in light of the E. Jean Carroll case.
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ABC News settled a defamation lawsuit filed by Donald Trump for $16 million. The settlement resolves a suit stemming from George Stephanopoulos’ inaccurate reporting on E. Jean Carroll’s civil case against Trump. ABC issued a public apology and will pay $15 million as a “charitable contribution” to Trump’s presidential library, along with $1 million in legal fees. The settlement avoided depositions for both Trump and Stephanopoulos. The payment represents only a small portion of the library’s projected overall costs.
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Following a judge’s order, President-elect Trump and ABC News host George Stephanopoulos will each give four-hour depositions next week in Trump’s defamation suit against ABC. The depositions, initially delayed, will proceed in person (Trump in Florida) and potentially remotely for Stephanopoulos. The suit stems from Stephanopoulos’s reporting on the E. Jean Carroll case, where Trump disputes the characterization of the jury’s finding. ABC’s attempts to dismiss the case based on fair reporting privilege were unsuccessful.
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A Florida judge ordered President-elect Trump to undergo a four-hour deposition next week in his defamation lawsuit against ABC News and George Stephanopoulos. This deposition, scheduled before a December 24th deadline for summary judgment motions, is in response to Stephanopoulos’ on-air statement that Trump was “found liable for rape,” a claim disputed by Trump. The judge acknowledged Trump’s previous unavailability during the election but deemed his current status necessitates participation. ABC News intends to question Trump about prior statements relevant to his credibility and the defamation claim itself.
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John Q. Hosedrinker