ABC News host George Stephanopoulos notably omitted any mention of his network's recent substantial settlement with former President Donald Trump during his Sunday morning program, "This Week."
Fox News Digital initially broke the story on Saturday, revealing that ABC News and Stephanopoulos had reached an agreement to avoid a trial stemming from Trump's defamation lawsuit. The lawsuit centered on Stephanopoulos's repeated assertion during a March 2024 interview that Trump had been found "liable for rape" in a civil case, a characterization that Trump disputed. The settlement includes a $15 million charitable contribution to a future presidential foundation and museum associated with Trump, as well as $1 million for his legal expenses. ABC News and Stephanopoulos also issued a statement of regret.
Despite the significant news surrounding the settlement, Stephanopoulos's Sunday show focused on other topics, including drone sightings, international conflicts, and cabinet appointments. He also deactivated his X account over the weekend.
Image: George Stephanopoulos hosting "This Week." (ABC News screenshot)
Image: (Getty Images)
Image: (Getty Images)
In March 2024, following a clip of Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) discussing her experience as a rape survivor, Stephanopoulos questioned her about her endorsement of Trump. He stated, "You've endorsed Donald Trump for president. Judges and two separate juries have found him liable for rape and for defaming the victim of that rape," referring to the E. Jean Carroll case. Stephanopoulos reiterated this claim multiple times, even though the jury's finding was for "sexual abuse," a legally distinct term under New York law.
When the lawsuit was initially filed, Stephanopoulos defended his reporting, stating he wouldn't be intimidated. He told Stephen Colbert, "Trump sued me because I used the word ‘rape,’ even though a judge said that’s in fact what did happen. We filed a motion to dismiss."
An ABC News spokesperson expressed satisfaction with the resolution of the case, telling Fox News Digital, "We are pleased that the parties have reached an agreement to dismiss the lawsuit on the terms in the court filing."
