In a monumental settlement, ABC News has agreed to pay Donald Trump a staggering sum in a defamation lawsuit.

ABC News has settled for $15 million with Trump after an allegedly defamatory claim was aired by George Stephanopoulos about Trump's legal history, as the Daily Mail reports.

On March 10, 2024, during an episode of ABC's This Week, George Stephanopoulos made a contentious statement against Donald Trump. He inaccurately claimed that Trump had been found civilly liable for criminal activities involving E. Jean Carroll. This televised segment triggered a lawsuit from Trump asserting that these comments were defamatory and misrepresented the facts.

The lawsuit highlighted that while a New York jury had previously decided on a defamation payment from Trump to Carroll in May 2023 for $83.3 million, this was separate from the inaccurate portrayal of his civil liability for sexual abuse in the 1990s, for which the jury allocated $5 million. Trump’s legal team argued that Stephanopoulos’ remarks were factually incorrect and damaging.

In response, ABC News agreed not only to pay the lawsuit settlement but also to cover Trump's accrued legal fees amounting to $1 million. The settlement was filed publicly last Saturday, confirming the agreement between both parties.

Chronology of Defamation Case

Rep. Nancy Mace was interviewed by Stephanopoulos during the same segment where these defamatory comments were aired. Mace, a rape survivor herself, defended her political endorsement of Trump while challenging Stephanopoulos' framing of the question as an attempt to shame her, stressing the distinction between criminal and civil court findings.

ABC News on their part has chosen to address the issue by making a public statement of regret. They acknowledged the regrettable nature of the statements made and emphasized their commitment to accurate journalism.

"ABC News and George Stephanopoulos regret statements regarding President Donald J. Trump made during an interview,” their statement outlined.

It’s noteworthy that the $15 million settlement will not directly go to Trump but instead will fund the development of Trump’s presidential library -- a charitable venture that will likely contribute to his lasting legacy and influence.

Broader Media and Legal Battles

Meanwhile, Donald Trump remains engaged in critical legal matters beyond this case.

He is pursuing another major lawsuit against CBS News, claiming $10 billion over an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris that allegedly included conduct aimed at deceiving the public.

Why This Story Matters

This lawsuit and its resolution pulse at the heart of ongoing debates over media responsibility and political defamation.

It underscores the immense sway media entities hold and their profound impact on public perception and political careers.

Lessons to Learn

1. Always Verify Facts: Accuracy in journalism cannot be overstated. Inaccuracies can lead to expensive legal battles and harm to reputations.

2. Understand Legal Distinctions: Recognizing the difference between civil and criminal liabilities can guide public discussions and prevent misunderstandings.

3. Media's Power and Impact: This case exemplifies the powerful role media plays in shaping political narratives. However, with great power comes great responsibility.

It is crucial to understand that while preventative measures can be taken, crime or defamation can occur to anyone, and victims should never be blamed.

The settlement between ABC and Trump marks not only a financial transaction but a significant moment in the discourse surrounding media accountability and the fine line it treads in political reporting.

This $15 million settlement serves as a poignant reminder to all media practitioners of the heavy consequences of misinformation.