(DailyChive.com) – ABC News is facing intense criticism for its recent settlement with President-elect Donald Trump. The controversy stems from a lawsuit Trump filed against the network and anchor George Stephanopoulos. The anchor had repeatedly claimed during an interview with Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., that Trump had been found “liable for rape.” This statement was made on the Sunday show This Week earlier this year. However, the jury’s actual verdict found Trump liable for “sexual abuse,” which is defined differently under New York law.
The case ended with a settlement, avoiding what could have been an expensive and drawn-out trial. On Saturday, court filings revealed that ABC News agreed to pay $15 million as part of the deal. This amount will go toward a charitable contribution to a “Presidential foundation and museum” that Trump plans to establish, following a tradition set by other U.S. presidents. In addition, the network will cover $1 million in Trump’s legal fees. ABC News and Disney have faced significant backlash for the settlement, with critics calling it a low point for the network.
Interestingly, George Stephanopoulos has not publicly addressed the settlement on his program. Critics are noting the silence, especially given the public nature of the legal battle. Stephanopoulos, who reportedly earns over $15 million annually, continues to face backlash, not just from conservatives, but from some liberals as well. Some observers have expressed outrage at ABC News’s decision to settle, accusing the network of caving under pressure.
On the left, there’s been outrage that ABC News agreed to the settlement, with some accusing the network of caving under pressure. Meanwhile, a former senior ABC News staffer expressed frustration over Stephanopoulos’s lucrative contract, suggesting the anchor’s errors have damaged the network’s reputation while he remains unaffected financially.
This legal victory adds another layer to Trump’s complex relationship with the media. He has long accused major networks of bias and false reporting, a theme central to his political narrative. With this settlement, Trump has secured a rare example of a media company retreating in a high-profile dispute, reinforcing his claims of unfair treatment by the press.
The case raises questions about journalistic responsibility and the consequences of misreporting, particularly on sensitive legal matters. It also highlights the growing tension between media outlets and public figures in an era of heightened scrutiny and political polarization.
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