Presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump has filed a defamation lawsuit against ABC News and George Stephanopoulos following comments made on air by the 'This Week' host. Stephanopoulos repeatedly stated that Trump was 'found liable for rape,' sparking controversy and legal action.
During a recent interview with Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., Stephanopoulos's use of the term 'liable for rape' raised concerns, particularly for Mace, a rape survivor. The reference stemmed from a 2023 civil trial involving advice columnist E. Jean Carroll and Trump, where the jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, not rape.
Legal experts have differing opinions on the validity of Trump's defamation case. While some believe he has a strong argument due to the lack of any legal verdict finding him liable for rape, others, like former assistant U.S. attorney Andrew McCarthy, suggest that the nuances of the previous trial may not support a defamation claim.
McCarthy points out that while the jury did not find Trump guilty of rape, they did find him liable for sexual abuse based on Carroll's testimony. Judge Kaplan's interpretation of the verdict also suggests that Trump's actions could be considered a form of rape, even if not fitting the strict legal definition.
Despite the legal complexities, Trump's lawsuit underscores the ongoing debate over the use of language and its potential impact on public figures. The case highlights the challenges of navigating defamation claims in the context of high-profile individuals and media scrutiny.
As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome will likely have broader implications for how defamation is defined and addressed in the realm of public discourse and media reporting.
