ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos says he is “confused” and “humiliated” by the network's decision to pay $16 million to settle a defamation lawsuit filed by President-elect Donald Trump, the Post reported. reported.
Stephanopoulos, who claimed President Trump raped E. Jean Carroll during an interview with Republican Rep. Nancy Mace, was particularly upset that he was forced to apologize, a person familiar with the situation said. spoke.
“George is rebellious,” another source told the Post.
Another person said Stephanopoulos was “a very cautious person.” His circle of trust is very small and much of it doesn't work [at ABC anymore]. ”
The first source added that the “This Week” host recently signed a contract extension with Disney-owned ABC News, but the person declined to disclose terms of the deal.
Bill Clinton's former aide has kept a low profile since a settlement was announced Saturday that included a $15 million donation to Trump's presidential foundation and museum, and an additional $1 million for Trump's legal fees. Ta.
He deactivated his X account, which had over 2.3 million followers.
Some ABC News staff members were furious with management for keeping news of the settlement strictly under wraps, according to people familiar with the matter.
“This information is front page news everywhere, but ABC doesn't report it themselves,” he lamented.
Three officials told the Post that a series of layoffs across all departments is hurting morale.
One of the people said the settlement was “another frustrating event.” “It's a complete embarrassment. People are furious.”
The settlement was announced just one day after a judge ruled that Stephanopoulos and Trump must appear for depositions in the case. Depositions were scheduled for this week.
“This was a company decision, not a news department decision,” one source speculated, adding: When asked, turn it to the other side. ”
A source familiar with the situation told the Post that the $16 million payout is being paid by the network's insurance.
ABC News declined to comment.
Stephanopoulos did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
President Trump filed a defamation lawsuit against ABC News and Stephanopoulos after the news anchor falsely pointed out that the former president was “found by a jury to be responsible for rape.”
The network and Mr. Stephanopoulos issued a joint statement on Saturday.
“ABC News and George Stephanopoulos have published comments about President Donald J. Trump that George Stephanopoulos made during an interview with Congresswoman Nancy Mace on ABC's 'This Week' on March 10, 2024. I regret this,” he said in a statement.
Last year, a Manhattan jury hearing a civil suit brought by Carroll, who claims she was raped by President Trump decades ago, held the Republican liable for sexual assault and defamation, but found the Republican liable for rape. The court ruled that it was not liable.
In a sign that Disney is trying to reset its relationship with the president-elect, Debra O'Connell, who oversees ABC News, visited Mar-a-Lago to meet with President Trump. According to Pac News.
Industry insiders said Disney CEO Bob Iger had raised legal issues before Trump took office, fearing it would affect other parts of the company's portfolio that are subject to government regulation. I'm guessing that he wanted it to end.
Iger also weighed in on the reputational damage Disney has suffered from its years-long, drawn-out battle with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over the “Don't Say Gay” bill, which the Mouse House publicly campaigned against to no avail. It is said that they are also paying attention to this.
Disney chiefs may also want to change the perception that ABC News is bitterly at odds with the president-elect — especially since one of his top surrogates, Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Dana Walden, Considering the fact that he has maintained a friendship with the president-elect over the years — Vice President Kamala Harris.
The Trump campaign was furious with ABC News hosts David Muir and Lindsey Davis, who frequently fact-checked the president-elect during the Sept. 10 presidential debate.
