Liberals on social media and MSNBC are outraged by ABC News' defamation settlement with President-elect Donald Trump. The news broke after host George Stephanopoulos claimed during a controversial interview with Congressman Nancy that the president-elect was “found responsible for rape.” I filed a complaint. mace.
“In that language and quote, it seems to me that ABC actually had a very strong case, but chose to settle. Settlement is not an admission of liability, but rather, it puts profits first.” “We agree to bring the matter to an end.” The parties have agreed to express this regret, and while it is not exactly an apology, it is important to note the impact this will have on others and those who would have otherwise criticized Donald Trump. There are concerns that it could have a chilling effect on people. '' said MSNBC legal analyst Barbara McQuade during a discussion of the defamation settlement on Saturday.
ABC News and Mr. Stephanopoulos reached a settlement with Mr. Trump on Saturday in his defamation lawsuit, resulting in the news network paying the president-elect $15 million.
“I've come to believe that ABC's board is somehow involved in this decision,” LA Times legal columnist Harry Littman said during an appearance on MSNBC on Saturday. “And my big concern, to further point out what Barb is saying, is that Barb is somehow wrapped up in the fact that he's going to be president soon.”
MSNBC guests are concerned that ABC's settlement with Trump will affect his critics in the media. (Screenshot/MSNBC)
ABC News' George Stephanopoulos inaccurately says President Trump was found 'responsible for rape' 10 times, legal expert says
“So I hope that we learn what kind of impact the boardroom has had on the law office here. But given the timing, he's in great shape and the public's confidence in the criminal justice system.” And it's very disturbing in terms of trust in the media. Those who are left behind in the media to tell the truth will go after the media and make their lives miserable, and so far they have been successful.” Littman added.
“This seems like a pretty targeted one, and I don't think George Stephanopoulos was wrong. It's unfortunate,” MSNBC host Simone Sanders said during a conversation on Saturday's show. .
Democratic election lawyer Marc E. Elias accused ABC News of bending the knee and kissing the ring.
“The knee has been bent. The ring has been kissed. Another traditional news organization has chosen obedience,” he wrote to X.
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According to the proposed settlement, ABC News will pay $15 million in charitable contributions to “presidential foundations and museums established by or for plaintiffs as established by past presidents of the United States.” In addition, the network will pay Trump's legal fees of $1 million.
Mr. Stephanopoulos and ABC News also had to issue a statement of “regret” as an editor's note at the end of the March 10, 2024 article. online articlesregarding comments made earlier this year that led to President Trump filing a defamation lawsuit. The memo states, “ABC News and George Stephanopoulos would like to share with you Donald J. Trump's interview with Congresswoman Nancy Mace on ABC's This Week on March 10, 2024. “I regret the comments I made regarding the president.”
After the election, some liberals started posting on Bluesky, an app similar to Elon Musk's X. Norm Eisen, lawyer CNN analysts wrote, “George Stephanopoulos did not smear Trump, and it is highly doubtful that George wanted to reconcile.”
George Stephanopoulos speaks on ABC's “This Week.” (ABC/Paula Lobo via Getty Images)
Trump sues ABC News and George Stephanopoulos for defamation
“First the Los Angeles Times, then the Washington Post, and now ABC News. They're all in the hands of Donald Trump. George Stephanopoulos says Trump 'raped' E. Jean Carroll.” I was using the word colloquially. Trump assaulted girlfriend who was found to be responsible for sexual acts,” USA Today Opinion written by columnist blue sky.
Justin Baragona“This sets a worrying precedent,” the former Daily Beast reporter who now writes for the Independent wrote about Blue Sky.
McQuaid joined MSNBC's Ali Belushi to discuss the settlement and said the fact that ABC News had “betrayed” him was troubling.
“But typically in a defamation case, you have to prove that the person was defamed, that there was actual malice, and that the talking points were inaccurate. It must also be proven that a person's reputation has been harmed in this way. ABC seems to have made a very strong case here, but they caved in a way anyway, and I think that sends a bad signal to other media companies, cowering in the media as they are. “Of course, a vibrant free press is essential to any administration, especially one in which Donald Trump has vowed to go after his enemies,” McQuaid said. .
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FOX News' Gabriel Hayes and Brooke Singman contributed to this report.
