ABC News Just Rehired A CONSPIRACY Theorist

ABC News renews contract with George Stephanopoulos despite $16 million Trump settlement, sparking controversy and concerns over press freedom.

At a Glance

  • ABC News settles defamation lawsuit with Trump for $16 million
  • George Stephanopoulos signs new multiyear deal with ABC News
  • Settlement raises concerns about potential chilling effect on journalism
  • Decision seen as strategic move by Disney to avoid prolonged legal battles
  • Stephanopoulos reportedly “blindsided” and unhappy about apologizing

ABC News Settles with Trump, Renews Stephanopoulos

In a surprising turn of events, ABC News has renewed its contract with George Stephanopoulos while simultaneously settling a defamation lawsuit with former President Donald Trump for a staggering $16 million. This settlement includes a $15 million donation to Trump’s presidential library and $1 million for legal fees. The lawsuit stemmed from Stephanopoulos’ incorrect statement that Trump was found liable for “rape” instead of “sexual assault” in a separate case.

The decision to settle has sent shockwaves through the media industry, with many questioning the implications for press freedom and the potential for future lawsuits. Some ABC newsroom members were reportedly surprised by the settlement, believing the network could have won the case.

Concerns Over Press Freedom and Future Implications

The settlement has raised serious concerns about the potential chilling effect on journalism and the possibility of encouraging more lawsuits from Trump and his associates. Tim Richardson from PEN America criticized the pattern of lawsuits as a means to intimidate journalists, stating, “As many experts have noted, the pattern of constant, weaponized lawsuits isn’t about correcting inaccuracies, but about intimidating journalists into silence and shielding government leaders from accountability. While major networks like ABC may survive the financial blow, smaller outlets will face an existential threat from frivolous legal claims.”

This sentiment is echoed by Katie Blankenship, Senior Director at PEN America, who warned, “It sends a message to be quiet. It sends a message to err on the side of caution.” The decision to settle is seen by many as a strategic move by Disney, ABC’s parent company, to avoid prolonged legal battles and potential backlash from Trump.

Here’s where the media experts are wrong. Knowingly lying has never been protected speech, and it has never been a defense for journalists. Stephanopolous’ own words show that he knew Trump was not “found liable for rape,” but he said it anyway: 10 times.

Stephanopoulos’ Reaction and ABC’s Decision

According to reports, George Stephanopoulos was “blindsided” by the settlement and unhappy about having to apologize. He maintained his stance, stating, “sued me because I used the word ‘rape’ even though a judge said that’s in fact what did happen.” This response highlights the tension between journalistic integrity and corporate decision-making in the face of legal pressure.

Despite the controversy, ABC News has chosen to renew Stephanopoulos’ contract, signaling their continued confidence in him as a key figure in their news division. This decision comes at a time when Good Morning America, one of Stephanopoulos’ primary platforms, has fallen behind NBC’s Today in morning show ratings.

Broader Implications for Media and Democracy

The settlement and its aftermath raise important questions about the balance between legal risk management and journalistic integrity. As one media executive noted, “We’re aghast. This is capitulation, but it’s also payback for how sloppy the press has been. We should have been more buttoned up and ready for this.” This sentiment reflects a growing concern within the industry about the need for more rigorous fact-checking and legal preparedness in an increasingly litigious environment.

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