Disney decided to renew ABC news anchor George Stephanopoulos' contract despite having to pay more than $16 million in legal settlements because of “his hands.'' It turns out that he didn't want his blood to be tainted.
Stephanopoulos, host of “This Week” and co-anchor of “Good Morning America,” took a pay cut from his hefty $20 million annual salary but was given a multi-year contract, sources said. spoke.
“No one wants talent disruption,” one network executive told the Post. “No one wants an angry George Stephanopoulos unleashed upon the world. No one wants to fire and humiliate George or have his blood on their hands. .”
According to Deadline, the well-connected former Democratic operative has been in talks with ABC News' parent company Disney, which is in cost-cutting mode, ahead of the company's shock decision to settle with President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday. It is said that he was
The Mouse House confirmed the extension on Wednesday.
“George is well-liked by the liberal elite in Hollywood and the Hamptons. He is friends with Jerry Seinfeld, Michael J. He added that they operate within the same “bubble” as the club.
“George has carefully cultivated his relationship with him. [Disney CEO] Bob Iger and members of the Board of Directors. He remains a respected member of the Disney family. ”
But within ABC News, staffers remain “furious” over Iger's decision to back Stephanopoulos and bow to Trump.
“They rewarded Trump for the mistake George made. How many jobs did they save with that $16 million?” another network official said, citing new layoffs at the network. and said this:
“I think people are angry about the humiliation of the Trump settlement. They're angry about George's unforced errors and defiant attitude and how he's being compensated for his mistakes with another lucrative contract, even if his salary is reduced. “He's angry,” the first source said.
The journalist is highly regarded by upper management, but is unpopular among staff, the person said.
Officials say Stephanopoulos is a “loner” who doesn't play well with others.
They noted that Stephanopoulos will not participate in election night coverage or appear on the broadcast with “ABC World News Tonight” anchor David Muir.
“Most great anchors are larger than life. George has always been smaller than life, and this humiliating settlement has made him even smaller,” the network executive said.
Confused, decided to update Stephanopoulos. Variety (via Getty Images)
As part of the settlement, Stephanopoulos was forced to apologize, which left the reporter “stunned” and “humiliated,” the Post exclusively reported on Tuesday in an article headlined “Furious George.” reported.
ABC News employees now refer to Mr. Stephanopoulos as “Furious George” behind his back, the people said.
“George is mortified about the settlement and furious about the apology, but he values money and status above all else,” the source said. “So he will take his paycheck and shut up.
Fiercely ambitious and introverted, Mr. Stephanopoulos has an inner circle of supporters, but his costly stubbornness is further alienating journalists, people close to the anchor said.
“He has just been humiliated. The news department is furious with him for the unforced error,” the source added.
Stephanopoulos remained silent this week despite repeated requests for comment from the Post.
ABC News and Disney declined to comment.
The deal gave Trump's foundation and museum $15 million, plus $1 million for Trump's legal fees.
Stephanopoulos sparked legal trouble during an interview with Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) in March. The “This Week” host said Trump was “responsible for rape” while discussing a civil lawsuit won by journalist E. Jean Carroll.
The Post exclusively reported Wednesday that Stephanopoulos was repeatedly warned by producers not to use the word “rape.”
Legal experts told the newspaper that Disney's chances of winning the case would be hurt if Mr. Stephanopoulos ignored the producers' warnings.
Mr. Iger announced the network's settlement late Friday, hours after Florida Judge Cecilia Altonaga denied a request to postpone the case and ordered Mr. Trump and Mr. Stephanopoulos to take several hours of depositions days before Christmas. signed.
The judge also required Disney to hand over emails and text messages sent to and from Stephanopoulos by Sunday, according to reports.
Horacio Gutierrez, Disney's top lawyer, urged Iger to settle the case rather than risk a civil trial in front of a jury in the president-elect's home state. A person familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal.
Iger was also concerned that filing a lawsuit “risks undermining protections for the press” and could “tarnish Disney's brand,” according to the New York Times.
