ABC News Settles Defamation Lawsuit by Paying USD 15 Million for Trump Library

ABC News has agreed to pay $15 million towards Donald Trump's presidential library. This settlement resolves a lawsuit over an inaccurate statement made by anchor George Stephanopoulos. The claim incorrectly stated that Trump was found civilly liable for raping writer E. Jean Carroll. Settlement documents released on Saturday reveal that ABC will also issue a regretful note on its website and pay $1 million in legal fees to Trump's lawyer.

In response to the settlement, ABC News expressed satisfaction with the resolution. "We are pleased that the parties have reached an agreement to dismiss the lawsuit on the terms in the court filing," stated ABC News. This agreement follows a defamation lawsuit filed by Trump against Stephanopoulos and ABC after the anchor's incorrect statement during an interview with Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C.

Details of the Lawsuit and Verdicts

The lawsuit stemmed from a March 10 segment on Stephanopoulos' "This Week" program. During this segment, he inaccurately claimed that Trump had been "found liable for rape." This misrepresented the outcomes of two lawsuits filed by Carroll against Trump. In one case last year, Trump was found liable for sexually assaulting and defaming Carroll, resulting in a $5 million payment order.

In January, another verdict found Trump liable for additional defamation claims, leading to an $83.3 million payment order to Carroll. However, neither verdict concluded that Trump committed rape as defined by New York law. Trump is currently appealing both decisions.

Judge's Clarification on Legal Definitions

Judge Lewis Kaplan presided over both cases and clarified the jury's conclusions. He stated that Carroll did not prove rape under New York Penal Law's specific definition. Kaplan explained that this legal definition is "far narrower" than common modern interpretations or definitions found in some dictionaries and statutes.

The judge emphasized that the verdict does not imply Carroll failed to prove that Trump raped her as commonly understood. He noted, "Indeed ... the jury found that Mr. Trump in fact did exactly that." This highlights the distinction between legal definitions and public understanding of terms like rape.

This settlement marks a significant development in the ongoing legal battles involving Donald Trump and E. Jean Carroll. The resolution of this lawsuit provides closure on one aspect of their complex legal history while other appeals continue through the courts.