Judge Kaplan’s clarification in the Carroll case distinguished between the legal definition of “rape” in New York and its common understanding, emphasizing that the jury found Trump liable for actions aligning with the broader definition. This legal nuance was central to a subsequent $15 million settlement between Trump and ABC News, stemming from a report that used the term “rape” in describing the verdict. The settlement sparked internal outrage at ABC News, with concerns raised about a potential chilling effect on future critical coverage of Trump. Trump’s continued pursuit of defamation lawsuits against media outlets signals a strategy to stifle negative press coverage through litigation.
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ABC’s $15 million settlement with Donald Trump in a defamation lawsuit is a stunning development that raises serious questions about the state of journalism and the influence of powerful individuals. The sheer magnitude of the payout immediately commands attention, representing a significant financial blow to the network. It also sets a concerning precedent – a powerful figure can effectively silence critical reporting by wielding the threat of expensive legal battles.
The lawsuit stemmed from comments made on ABC concerning Trump’s liability in a previous sexual assault case. A federal jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming E. Jean Carroll, though not for rape, a distinction the judge later clarified was due to New York’s narrow legal definition.… Continue reading
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 
Matt Underwood