ABC News finds itself in a precarious balancing act as it attempts to mend fences with both President-elect Donald Trump and its embattled anchor George Stephanopoulos following a costly $16 million settlement. This settlement—stemming from Stephanopoulos’ repeated on-air claim that Trump was “liable for rape” in the E. Jean Carroll civil case—has sparked internal drama and public scrutiny, raising questions about journalistic accountability and corporate priorities.
The settlement includes $15 million designated for Trump’s future presidential library and an additional $1 million to cover his legal fees. It also requires ABC News to post an online statement of regret over the March 2024 segment on This Week, in which Stephanopoulos inaccurately stated that Trump had been found liable for rape. The actual jury finding was for “sexual abuse,” a legally distinct term.
Despite warnings from his executive producer not to use the term “rape,” Stephanopoulos pressed Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) on why she endorsed Trump, repeatedly invoking the term during their contentious exchange. Legal experts believe Stephanopoulos’ disregard for these warnings severely weakened ABC’s ability to defend itself against Trump’s defamation claims.
In a surprising twist, Stephanopoulos has reportedly signed a multi-year contract extension with ABC News, earning him a rumored $20 million annually. However, the extension comes amid reports that he is “apoplectic” and “humiliated” by the network’s decision to settle. The move appears to signal that ABC values his star power, despite the controversy.
Critics, however, question the wisdom of retaining Stephanopoulos in such a prominent role. His misstep not only cost the network millions but also damaged its reputation for journalistic integrity. The decision to extend his contract suggests that ABC is banking on his continued draw as a host of Good Morning America and This Week to offset the fallout.
The tense exchange with Rep. Nancy Mace during the March segment remains a focal point of the controversy. Mace, a rape survivor, accused Stephanopoulos of attempting to shame her for endorsing Trump, calling his line of questioning “disgusting.” Stephanopoulos defended his approach as fair and necessary, but the exchange highlighted the emotional stakes and polarized reactions to the segment.
Mace’s rising political profile and her defense of Trump only added fuel to the fire, making her interaction with Stephanopoulos a flashpoint in the broader debate about media bias and political accountability.
Trump’s Lawsuits and Broader Implications
This settlement is just one chapter in Trump’s broader legal battles with major media outlets. He is currently suing CBS News for $10 billion over claims of election and voter interference, accusing the network of deceptive practices and partisan bias in an October interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. These lawsuits reflect Trump’s ongoing strategy of challenging media narratives he views as unfair or damaging.
For ABC News, the settlement and Stephanopoulos’ role in the controversy underscore the delicate balancing act of maintaining journalistic integrity while avoiding costly missteps. By settling with Trump and retaining Stephanopoulos, ABC hopes to move forward without alienating its audience or its star talent.
However, the controversy leaves lingering questions: Will Stephanopoulos’ reputation recover? Can ABC regain public trust after such a high-profile error? And how will the settlement influence the broader media landscape as Trump continues to take legal aim at perceived adversaries in the press?
