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ABC News settles Trump defamation lawsuit for $15 million
ABC News pays $15M to settle Trump’s defamation lawsuit over false rape liability claim made by George Stephanopoulos.
ABC News is settling a defamation lawsuit with Donald Trump for $15 million.
The lawsuit stemmed from comments made by anchor George Stephanopoulos, who inaccurately stated that Trump was found liable for rape during an interview.
The settlement will be contributed to Trump’s presidential foundation or museum and includes $1 million for legal fees.
ABC issued a public apology on its website, expressing regret for the statements made by Stephanopoulos during the March 10 broadcast of “This Week.”
Trump filed the lawsuit shortly after the interview aired.
Lawsuit dismissed
An ABC spokesperson announced that both parties have agreed to dismiss the lawsuit.
In a related case in 2023, Trump was found liable for sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll and ordered to pay her $5 million in damages.
In 2024, a jury ordered Trump to pay an additional $83 million for defaming Carroll by claiming she fabricated the assault to gain publicity.
Trump is currently appealing both of those verdicts.