Trump’s ABC News Defamation Suit Formally Dismissed After Settlement

ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos got himself into a world of pain by saying that Trump had committed “rape” during a broadcast.

Trump was never legally found guilty of rape, with the jury finding him guilty of sexual abuse.

Trump sued the network and Stephanopoulos, and the parties recently came to a settlement, so the judge has formally dismissed the case.

Let’s Make a Deal

When Stephanopoulos made his claim, he was using comments made by the judge in the case, who stated that while the jury found that Trump’s actions did not formally meet the definition of rape, he believed that Trump had committed rape.

Stephanopoulos even used the judge’s words to back up his statement, but the courts saw it differently and were allowing Trump to move forward with his case.

Once that ruling was made, ABC News quickly looked to make a settlement with Trump.

The network agreed to donate $15 million to Trump’s library, and Stephanopoulos was required to pay Donald Trump $1 million from his own bank account to pay for Trump’s legal fees.

Chief U.S. District Judge Cecelia Altonaga announced on Monday that the case was being dismissed.

Judge Altonaga stated, "Having been advised of the settlement of the parties and otherwise being fully advised on the premises, it is hereby ordered and adjudged that the stipulation is approved.

"The above-styled action is hereby dismissed with prejudice with each party to bear their own attorney's fees and costs."

The network was also required to put a footnote on the online report on the matter, which stated, "ABC News and George Stephanopoulos regret statements regarding President Donald J. Trump made during an interview by George Stephanopoulos with Rep. Nancy Mace on ABC’s This Week on March 10, 2024."

The comments were made by Stephanopoulos during a very contentious interview with Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), who is a survivor of sexual assault.

During that interview, as a survivor of assault, Stephanopoulos was asking her to square her support for Trump.

The ABC News anchor stated, "You've endorsed Donald Trump for president. Judges and two separate juries have found him liable for rape and for defaming the victim of that rape.”

While ABC News announced that it was “pleased” to have reached the settlement, to my knowledge, Stephanopoulos has yet to comment, and he did not mention the settlement on his show after it was reached.