BACKGROUND
In 2023, a jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll and awarded her $5 million in damages. However, the jury did not conclude that Carroll had proven her rape claim under New York law. In January 2024, Trump was ordered to pay Carroll an additional $83.3 million for defamatory remarks denying the allegations.
Trump’s lawsuit argued that Stephanopoulos’ remarks were “false, intentional, and malicious,” alleging the statements harmed his reputation. While a judge dismissed Trump’s countersuit against Carroll, he stated that referring to the incident as “rape” could still be considered “substantially true” based on broader definitions of the term.
In July, a judge declined to dismiss Trump’s case against ABC, determining that it involved nuanced legal definitions of “rape.” This week, as a court ordered depositions from both Trump and Stephanopoulos, the settlement was finalized.
Trump avoids potential legal risks tied to testifying under oath as he prepares to take office in January. Known for legal battles with the media, Trump also recently sued CBS for $10 billion over allegations of “voter interference” involving a Vice President Kamala Harris interview on 60 Minutes.
ABC News stated, “We are pleased the parties resolved this matter on mutually agreeable terms.”
