ABC News will pay a settlement of $15 million (€14 million) to resolve a defamation lawsuit filed by President-elect Donald Trump, as detailed in court documents.
The lawsuit originated from comments made by prominent anchor George Stephanopoulos, who claimed during an interview with US Representative Nancy Mace that Mr. Trump was found “liable for rape,” which aired in March.
As part of the settlement, ABC News is obligated to contribute $15 million to a fund aimed at supporting “a presidential foundation and museum” for Mr. Trump.
The news organization and Mr. Stephanopoulos will also issue public apologies, expressing their “regret for the statements” made regarding Mr. Trump during the interview, in addition to paying $1 million in attorney fees.
Mr. Trump was deemed liable for sexual abuse in a separate case initiated by writer E Jean Carroll.
This settlement signifies another win for Mr. Trump in his recent string of legal successes following his victory in the presidential election on November 5.
Last month, a US appeals court approved the dismissal of charges related to Mr. Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified documents after leaving the White House.
US Special Counsel Jack Smith has also paused a second federal case concerning Mr. Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election results; however, he still faces racketeering charges tied to this matter in a separate case from Georgia.
Concerning Mr. Trump’s May conviction in the hush money case—his only criminal charges to proceed to trial—Judge Juan Merchan has indefinitely delayed sentencing.
