ABC News Settles Defamation Lawsuit with Trump for $15 Million

[Social Media]

 

ABC News has agreed to a $15 million settlement with President-elect Donald Trump to resolve a defamation lawsuit stemming from false statements made by its prominent anchor, George Stephanopoulos. The case arose after Stephanopoulos repeatedly claimed during a March 10 interview that Trump had been found "liable for rape," a statement that was untrue.  

 

The controversy began when Stephanopoulos questioned South Carolina Republican congresswoman Nancy Mace about her endorsement of Trump. During the broadcast, he asserted, “judges and two separate juries have found him liable for rape,” repeating the claim a total of ten times throughout the segment. This led to swift legal action from Trump, who argued that the false statements were damaging to his reputation.  

 

As part of the settlement, ABC News will pay $15 million as a charitable contribution to establish a "Presidential foundation and museum" in Trump’s name. The settlement document states that the foundation will follow the tradition of similar institutions created by past U.S. Presidents. Additionally, the network agreed to cover $1 million of Trump’s legal fees incurred during the case.  

 

The dispute had escalated earlier this year when a federal magistrate judge ordered both Trump and Stephanopoulos to provide sworn depositions regarding the claims. However, the settlement has now precluded the need for further legal proceedings or testimony.  

 

Trump's legal challenges against media outlets are not new. In another ongoing case, he has sued CBS, alleging “deceptive conduct” in an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. In previous years, courts dismissed his defamation lawsuits against CNN, the New York Times, and the Washington Post, where he claimed bias and misrepresentation. In one prominent instance in 2023, a judge rejected his case against CNN, which alleged the network had drawn comparisons between Trump and Adolf Hitler.  

 

The ABC News settlement, however, marks a significant outcome for Trump, whose legal battles with major media outlets often draw widespread attention. It also highlights the ongoing tension between the former president and prominent news organizations, which he frequently accuses of unfair treatment.  

 

The resolution of the case underscores the importance of accuracy in reporting, especially when discussing high-profile figures. For Trump, the settlement represents not only a legal victory but also an opportunity to establish a lasting legacy through the proposed Presidential foundation. For ABC News, it serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of broadcasting unverified or erroneous claims.

 

Based on a report by BBC 2024-12-16

 

 

 

 

[thaibeachlovers]

Trump, the WINNER.

 

He's the MAN.

[jerrymahoney]

2 hours ago, Social Media said:

Trump's legal challenges against media outlets are not new. In another ongoing case, he has sued CBS, alleging “deceptive conduct” in an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris.

But that case -- Trump Sues CBS for $10 Billion Over Alleged Editing in Kamala Harris Interview -- isn't maybe going so well.

[thesetat]

3 minutes ago, jerrymahoney said:

But that case -- Trump Sues CBS for $10 Billion Over Alleged Editing in Kamala Harris Interview -- isn't maybe going so well.

That was when they changed what Harris said in the interview to show her giving a better reply than she had. CBS claims it was done for time allotment purposes although we all know differently. It will need a jury to resolve it. The ABC network knew they would lose so they opted to pay Trump the lesser amount than any jury would have meted out. 

CBS will fold and pay out also in a settlement if they see they are losing in the case or there is a chance they will lose. 

[jerrymahoney]

REDUX

Posted November 3

 

From the complaint filed in Amarillo TX Federal Court:

 

55. President Trump is a “consumer” within the meaning of the DTPA, since he is an individual who sought and received CBS’s broadcast services.

 

From the DPTA Texas statutes:

 

Sec. 17.45. DEFINITIONS. As used in this subchapter:

(4) "Consumer" means an individual, partnership, corporation, this state, or a subdivision or agency of this state who seeks or acquires by purchase or lease, any goods or services, except that the term does not include a business consumer that has assets of $25 million or more, or that is owned or controlled by a corporation or entity with assets of $25 million or more.

 

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/BC/htm/BC.17.htm