A stern warning from ABC News executives went unheeded by veteran journalist George Stephanopoulos during a contentious interview about Donald Trump.

According to Daily Mail, ABC News has agreed to pay a $16 million settlement to Donald Trump after Stephanopoulos ignored multiple warnings and used the word "rape" when discussing the former president's liability in the E. Jean Carroll case during a March 2024 interview.

The settlement emerged from a March 10 segment on "This Week" where Stephanopoulos pressed Republican Representative Nancy Mace about her endorsement of Trump following his liability finding in the Carroll case. Multiple anonymous sources revealed that ABC News executives had explicitly warned Stephanopoulos not to use the term "rape" before the interview aired.

Network Executives Warned Against Specific Language

Network officials had specifically cautioned Stephanopoulos about using the word "rape" in discussions about Trump's legal situation. The warnings came as part of standard preparation for the sensitive interview topic. Legal experts later noted that disregarding these direct instructions likely weakened ABC's position in defending against Trump's subsequent lawsuit.

The controversial exchange occurred during Stephanopoulos' interview with Rep. Nancy Mace, who herself is a survivor of sexual assault. When pressed about her Trump endorsement, Stephanopoulos directly asked her about supporting someone "found liable for rape." This comment triggered an immediate pushback from Mace, who accused him of attempting to shame her as a rape survivor.

The heated conversation continued with Mace defending her position while expressing disgust at what she perceived as an attempt to use her past trauma against her. She emphasized her belief that Trump remained the best choice for the country despite the controversy.

Settlement Details And Network Response

The settlement requires ABC to pay $15 million as a charitable contribution to Trump's presidential library. An additional $1 million will cover Trump's legal fees in the case. The total $16 million agreement represents a significant financial blow to the network.

The network must also post a formal note of regret on its website specifically addressing Stephanopoulos' March 10 segment. ABC's statement acknowledged the incident, saying in part that both the network and Stephanopoulos regretted the statements made during the Mace interview.

Stephanopoulos reportedly feels "apoplectic" and "humiliated" by his employer's decision to settle rather than fight the defamation claims in court. His initial response to the lawsuit had been defiant, telling Stephen Colbert he wouldn't be "cowed out of doing my job because of a threat."

Trump Legal Team Claims Malicious Intent

Trump's legal team argued that Stephanopoulos' comments were made with malicious intent and showed a deliberate disregard for the truth. The lawsuit alleged that the journalist's choice of words was calculated to harm Trump's reputation.

During the controversial segment, Rep. Mace stated, as quoted:

I have endorsed a man that I believe is best for our country. It's not Joe Biden. You looked at the dueling rallies yesterday, in Georgia. And here you are trying to shame a rape victim. I find it disgusting.

The settlement comes amid ongoing legal battles between Trump and various media outlets. Similar cases are pending, including a $10 billion lawsuit against CBS News over what Trump's team claims was deceptive coverage of a Kamala Harris interview.

Legal Implications And Moving Forward

The settlement's size and scope may set a precedent for future defamation cases involving media coverage of political figures. Legal experts suggest that ABC's quick move to settle could influence how other networks approach similar sensitive topics in their coverage.

Former Trump supporters are now reportedly seeking additional targets for defamation lawsuits following this successful settlement. This development suggests a potential shift in how media organizations might approach coverage of controversial political figures.

The substantial settlement amount has drawn attention from media outlets nationwide, potentially influencing future editorial decisions regarding similar coverage. Industry observers note this could lead to more careful phrasing and increased legal review of politically sensitive content.

Why This Story Matters

This story is significantly relevant because it highlights the ongoing challenges and responsibilities faced by the media in politically charged environments.

It discusses the bounds of acceptable discourse and reflects on the potential repercussions that can emanate from media practices. The story underscores the critical nature of responsible journalism and its impact on public perception and legal landscapes.

In conclusion, the George Stephanopoulos incident acts as a powerful reminder of the consequences that can arise from a lapse in media judgment. It illuminates the intricate balance between press freedom and legal accountability, encouraging ongoing dialogue about the role of media in shaping political and public discourse.