ABC News recently settled a defamation lawsuit with former President Donald Trump, agreeing to pay $15 million to his presidential foundation. The lawsuit stemmed from a segment on ABC's 'This Week' program in which it was claimed that Trump had been found liable for rape in a civil case brought by E. Jean Carroll. However, a jury had actually found Trump liable for sexual abuse, not rape.
The settlement came after a judge allowed the case to move forward, leading to pre-trial discovery that included scrutinizing the work materials of the anchorman involved in the segment. With a trial date set for April and depositions looming, ABC and Trump's legal team reached an agreement last week to avoid further legal proceedings.
Speculation abounds regarding the reasons for the settlement. Some believe ABC wanted to avoid litigating against a sitting president, while others suggest that the discovery process may have uncovered damaging internal data. Media lawyers note that settlements at this stage of a legal dispute are rare, raising questions about ABC's decision.
Despite the settlement, ABC has not publicly commented on its reasons for resolving the case. The $15 million payout, earmarked for a future Trump presidential foundation and museum, has raised eyebrows among legal experts. While some believed ABC had a strong case, the risks of trial and potential reputational damage likely factored into the decision to settle.
Renowned First Amendment attorney Floyd Abrams described the settlement as a 'major victory' for Trump, highlighting the inaccuracies in ABC's reporting and the substantial amount awarded to the former president. The resolution of this lawsuit underscores the complexities of defamation cases involving public figures and the challenges media outlets face in navigating such legal disputes.
