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Donald Trump Sues ABC
Donald J. Trump is suing ABC News and its star anchor George Stephanopoulos for defamation following repeated on-air statements in March 2024 claiming Trump had been found “liable for rape” in the E. Jean Carroll civil case.
He Asserted Stephanopoulos Made False Statements Knowingly
The lawsuit, filed shortly after the broadcast, alleges that these statements were factually incorrect and malicious, as the jury in that case had explicitly ruled against a finding of rape under New York law. The jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, which marks a significant distinction under legal definitions. Furthermore, the defamation claim asserts that Stephanopoulos knowingly made false statements, relying on his extensive journalistic experience and his previous coverage of the Carroll case.
When Did It Began
The controversy began during an interview on ABC’s This Week when Stephanopoulos repeatedly questioned Republican Representative Nancy Mace about her continued support for Trump, despite the Carroll case verdict. Stephanopoulos pressed Mace, a rape survivor, about her stance, repeatedly emphasizing the “liable for rape” narrative in light of the jury’s findings. Trump’s legal team contends that these statements were not only inaccurate but also intended to damage his reputation, especially as he was a public figure preparing for his presidency.
The Legal Complication Of The Case
Further complicating the matter is the nuanced legal context of the Carroll case. While the jury concluded that Trump had forcibly sexually abused Carroll, it did not meet the strict definition of “rape” under New York law. However, post-verdict commentary by the presiding judge noted that the jury’s findings could align with the broader societal understanding of rape, creating room for misinterpretation. Trump’s lawsuit argues that ABC News refused to retract or apologize for the broadcast, even after amending an online article headline from “liable for rape” to “liable for sexual assault.”
New York Legal Distinction Between The Two Terms
New York law delineates a significant legal distinction between “rape” and “sexual abuse,” rooted in precise statutory definitions. This distinction came under scrutiny in the E. Jean Carroll civil case against Donald Trump, where the jury found him liable for sexual abuse but not rape, as defined under New York Penal Law. The issue was central to subsequent controversies, including a defamation lawsuit by Trump against ABC News and George Stephanopoulos, stemming from repeated claims that he was found “liable for rape.”
The Statutory Definition Of Each Term
New York law specifically defines rape as non-consensual sexual intercourse that involves penetration by a sexual organ. By contrast, sexual abuse encompasses a broader range of non-consensual sexual acts, including forcible contact or penetration with objects other than a sexual organ. In the Carroll case, the jury concluded that Trump forcibly digitally penetrated Carroll, an act qualifying as sexual abuse but not meeting the statutory definition of rape.
This Discrepancy Can Make A Verdict Difficult
The legal and linguistic discrepancy was highlighted in a post-verdict opinion by Senior U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan. He clarified that while the jury’s finding did not satisfy New York’s specific legal definition of rape, it aligned with the broader, commonly understood meaning of the term. This distinction created a gray area, making the term “rape” both legally precise and contextually ambiguous. Judge Kaplan noted that the jury’s findings substantiated acts often colloquially described as rape, despite the narrower legal categorization.
This Nuance In Term Allowed For The ABC Defamation Case
This nuanced legal framework became pivotal in Trump’s defamation suit against ABC. Trump argued that Stephanopoulos knowingly misrepresented the jury’s findings, damaging his reputation. The defense likely pointed to the broader societal interpretation of the term “rape” as a mitigating factor. This case underscores the challenge of reconciling statutory precision with common language, particularly in high-stakes legal and media contexts. The case demonstrates how media narratives can create confusion and cause reputational harm when they present legal terms without their precise statutory context. This ongoing tension between legal definitions and public understanding continues to fuel debate in both legal and journalistic circles.
The Discovery In The Case
The discovery phase of the defamation lawsuit between Donald Trump and ABC News played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of the case. Discovery, a process where both parties exchange information and evidence, became a battleground for addressing the factual and legal issues surrounding the allegations.
Trump accused ABC News and George Stephanopoulos of knowingly broadcasting false claims that he was found “liable for rape” in the E. Jean Carroll civil case. This allegation heightened the stakes of discovery, as it required the plaintiff to prove not only the falsity of the statements but also the intent behind them.
Both Of Them Sat For Deposition
A key development during discovery was the court’s directive for both Trump and Stephanopoulos to sit for in-person depositions. Each deposition was limited to four hours and scheduled to occur during the week of December 16, 2024. The court emphasized that these depositions were non-negotiable, reflecting its impatience with prior delays. Trump’s legal team sought to interrogate Stephanopoulos about his knowledge of the legal nuances of the Carroll case, specifically whether he deliberately misrepresented the jury’s findings. Conversely, ABC’s legal team aimed to question Trump about the reputational harm he claimed to have suffered due to the broadcast.
The Court Wanted All Remaining Documents
The court also ordered ABC News to produce all remaining documents related to Trump’s claimed damages, ensuring his legal team had access to the evidence necessary to substantiate their case. Trump’s damages expert reviewed these documents, highlighting the crucial need to quantify the claim’s reputational and financial impacts. Moreover, the court set the production deadline for December 15, 2024, as a final push to resolve any lingering disputes over evidence.
Discovery in this case highlighted the court’s commitment to expediting proceedings, especially given the prolonged legal wrangling and the public interest in the matter. By addressing the factual basis of the claims and exploring the intent behind the statements, the discovery phase served as a critical mechanism for both sides to test the strengths and weaknesses of their positions. Ultimately, this phase of the case laid the groundwork for the settlement that followed, as both parties likely assessed the risks of continuing the litigation versus reaching an agreement.
The Settlement
The settlement between Donald Trump and ABC News concludes a high-profile defamation lawsuit, just before scheduled depositions. Trump contended that these statements were knowingly false, as the jury in the Carroll case did not find him liable for rape under New York law, but rather for sexual abuse and defamation.
How The Settlement Money Will Be Used
As part of the defamation lawsuit settlement, ABC News agreed to pay $15 million toward Donald Trump’s presidential library and museum. The agreement designates this payment as a “charitable contribution” and requires the funds to be deposited into an escrow account managed by Trump’s legal team within ten days. Additionally, the settlement includes $1 million to cover Trump’s legal fees, which helps expedite the resolution of the financial aspects of the case.
The Funds Are But A Small Contribution
The allocation of $15 million to the presidential library marks a significant first step in its development. While this amount is substantial, it will likely cover only a small portion of the project’s total cost. To put this in perspective, former President Barack Obama’s presidential library in Chicago was estimated to cost around $830 million as of 2021. Trump’s library is expected to feature a repository of documents and memorabilia from his presidency, as well as a museum that will showcase the achievements of his administration.
The Settlement Created A Creative Resolution
The settlement reflects a creative resolution to the dispute, channeling the settlement funds toward a lasting legacy project rather than solely compensating for damages or legal expenses. By earmarking the money for a presidential library, Trump ensures that the outcome of the lawsuit directly supports his broader efforts to cement his historical and political influence.
The settlement also underscores the role of legal battles in shaping political narratives. For Trump, leveraging the funds toward a public institution linked to his presidency aligns with his long-term goals of preserving his version of political history. It represents a way to turn a legal challenge into a strategic opportunity for legacy building.
ABC Decided To Avoid A Lengthy Legal Battle
The lawsuit highlights the complexity of defamation cases involving public figures, where plaintiffs must prove falsehood and malicious intent—a high legal standard. Trump argued that Stephanopoulos, as a veteran journalist, should have been aware of the legal nuances and his responsibility to ensure factual accuracy, especially given prior coverage of the Carroll case. Despite these challenges, the settlement reflects a significant concession by ABC News, averting further legal proceedings.
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FAQ Dropdown
The settlement amount is $15 million for Trump’s presidential library and $1 million for legal fees.
The $15 million will fund Trump’s presidential library and museum, preserving his documents and memorabilia.
Trump sued ABC News for defamation over George Stephanopoulos’s incorrect claim that he was found ‘liable for rape.
The jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation but not rape, due to New York law’s narrow definition.
This settlement highlights media accountability and shows how legal resolutions can advance legacy projects.
