The criminal saga among former President Donald Trump and ABC News reached a dramatic conclusion with a $15 million agreement. This landmark case underscores the challenges and complexities of defamation regulation inside the U.S., especially for excessive-profile figures.
Understanding the Case
The case centred on a claim made by ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos, alleging Trump had committed acts classified as rape. However, a previous court decision in a related civil case ruled that Trump was liable for sexual abuse, not rape. The distinction was key in Trump’s defamation suit. Trump argued that the statement was made maliciously, damaging his reputation. Days before depositions were scheduled, ABC agreed to a settlement, avoiding further courtroom drama.
This settlement is a rare victory for Trump, as U.S. defamation laws make it challenging for public figures to succeed in such cases. Under U.S. law, proving false statements alone isn’t enough—malicious intent must also be demonstrated. Trump has faced numerous legal battles with media outlets but seldom achieved such outcomes.
Why Did ABC Settle?
ABC News and Stephanopoulos agreed to the $15 million settlement and a public apology. The network acknowledged its role in broadcasting a misleading narrative and expressed regret. The apology is now displayed alongside the original article on ABC’s website.
The Legal Implications
This settlement has reignited discussions about journalistic ethics and the burden of proof required in defamation cases involving public figures. Trump’s legal team highlighted this case as an example of biased reporting by mainstream media outlets.
Trump has long accused ABC News of harbouring bias, particularly pointing out the network’s connection with political figures such as Kamala Harris. The settlement further strained a contentious relationship between Trump and major media organisations.
The Broader Legal Landscape
While Trump’s victory in this case is notable, other legal battles continue to weigh on him. In separate defamation and civil cases, juries previously found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation against journalist E. Jean Carroll, resulting in multimillion-dollar damages.
This case highlights the power dynamics between public figures and the media in today’s polarized environment. The $15 million settlement for Trump is a financial and symbolic win, setting a precedent for future defamation suits against media organizations.