George Stephanopoulos’ tenure at ABC News may be nearing its end following a stunning $15 million defamation settlement authorized by Disney CEO Bob Iger. The settlement, which also includes an additional $1 million to cover Donald Trump’s legal fees, comes after Trump sued ABC News over comments made by Stephanopoulos earlier this year.
The defamation case stemmed from statements made by Stephanopoulos on “This Week,” where he inaccurately claimed that Trump was “found liable for rape” in the E. Jean Carroll case. The Manhattan jury in the case had concluded that Trump had “sexually abused” Carroll but stopped short of ruling that he had committed rape.
The incident began in 2019 when E. Jean Carroll alleged that Trump raped her in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room in the 1990s. Trump has vehemently denied the allegations, calling Carroll a “whack job” and asserting that he doesn’t even know her. During the trial, the jury’s findings did not include a determination of rape, a critical distinction that Stephanopoulos misrepresented during an interview earlier this year.
The controversial comment occurred in an exchange with Representative Nancy Mace. Stephanopoulos claimed, on air, that Trump had been “found liable for rape,” prompting immediate backlash and the subsequent lawsuit. Clips of the interview circulated widely on social media, further amplifying the fallout.
On December 13, Disney and ABC News opted to settle the case rather than proceed to trial, a decision that blindsided Stephanopoulos. Sources close to the matter revealed that Stephanopoulos was unaware of the settlement’s terms until hours before the news broke. As part of the agreement, Stephanopoulos was forced to issue a quasi-apology, further fueling speculation about his future at the network.
According to Variety, the decision to settle shocked ABC News staff and many in the broader journalistic community. Disney’s willingness to back down publicly marked a sharp turn for CEO Bob Iger, who had long championed Stephanopoulos despite recent challenges at the network.
Stephanopoulos’ current contract with ABC runs through early 2025, but insiders question whether he will remain with the network given the recent turn of events. The fallout has reportedly left him frustrated and vocal about his dissatisfaction with the settlement. For ABC, the economics of keeping Stephanopoulos—whose annual salary is $18 million—may no longer be justifiable, especially as “Good Morning America” (GMA) struggles to maintain its status as a top advertising draw. Last week, GMA’s viewership averaged 2.69 million, trailing NBC’s “Today” show, which drew 2.83 million viewers.
Iger’s decision to settle the lawsuit marks a stark contrast to his earlier support for Stephanopoulos. In 2020, Iger played a pivotal role in renegotiating the anchor’s contract, offering a lucrative deal that included opportunities to produce documentaries for Hulu, such as the acclaimed “Pretty Baby.” However, with the financial landscape shifting, ABC’s willingness to pay such a high salary for a morning show anchor is being re-evaluated.
The developments around Stephanopoulos’ future at ABC are part of a broader trend in the broadcast news industry. Networks are increasingly scrutinizing the high salaries of their marquee anchors. For example, NBC’s Hoda Kotb recently announced her departure as a full-time anchor on “Today” after the network attempted to reduce her pay.
Insiders suggest that Stephanopoulos’ discontent over the settlement and apology may lead him to consider leaving ABC altogether. If he departs, it would mark the end of a nearly three-decade career at the network, where he has been a prominent fixture on both GMA and “This Week.”
This case highlights the increasing challenges media organizations face when navigating high-profile legal disputes and public controversies. Settling with Trump, a polarizing figure, has drawn criticism from multiple angles. Some argue that the decision undermines journalistic integrity, while others contend it was a pragmatic move to avoid prolonged legal battles and further reputational damage.
For Stephanopoulos, the fallout represents a significant career crossroads. Once a trusted advisor to President Bill Clinton, he transitioned seamlessly into journalism, becoming one of the most recognizable faces on television news. However, the misstep in the Trump defamation case and the resulting settlement could tarnish his legacy.
As ABC News grapples with declining ratings and shifting viewer habits, the network’s leadership must decide whether retaining Stephanopoulos aligns with its future direction. Meanwhile, Trump’s legal victory underscores his willingness to challenge the mainstream media, further energizing his base as he continues to dominate the political spotlight.
Whether Stephanopoulos stays or goes, the controversy underscores the precarious balance between journalistic freedom and accountability in an era of heightened scrutiny and political polarization.
2 Comments
To me, it would be good riddance. No loss, as far as I am concerned.
Maybe that ding bat can join all the other biatches over at the view 😂🤣