George Stephanopoulos and ABC News Settle $16 Million Defamation Lawsuit with Trump

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George Stephanopoulos and ABC News have settled a defamation lawsuit brought by President-elect Donald Trump for $16 million. The lawsuit stemmed from on-air comments made by Stephanopoulos during an interview with Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., in which he incorrectly stated that Trump had been found "liable for rape" in a civil case involving E. Jean Carroll. The correct legal finding was that Trump was liable for "sexual abuse," which has a distinct definition under New York law.

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The settlement includes a $15 million charitable contribution to a "Presidential foundation and museum to be established by or for Plaintiff, as Presidents of the United States of America have established in the past," and $1 million in attorney fees. ABC News and Stephanopoulos also issued statements of regret, acknowledging their inaccurate statements.

Despite the significant financial settlement, the New York Post criticized the outcome, suggesting that Trump "let off" Stephanopoulos and ABC News "easy" by not pursuing a more costly trial. Stephanopoulos did not address the settlement on his Sunday show, focusing instead on other news stories.