Jean MartinFormer U.S. President Donald Trump has initiated a defamation lawsuit against ABC News and George Stephanopoulos, the anchor of “This Week With George Stephanopoulos,” over comments made regarding the rape case brought against Trump by writer E. Jean Carroll.
Allegations and Legal Proceedings:
Trump’s lawsuit alleges that Stephanopoulos falsely stated on multiple occasions that Trump had been found liable by multiple juries for the rape of Ms. E. Jean Carroll.
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Southern Florida, accuses Stephanopoulos of making these statements with malice and a disregard for the truth. It also highlights the wide distribution of these statements to third parties.
ABC News has refused to comment on the lawsuit.
Context of Stephanopoulos’ Statements:
The lawsuit references a March 10 interview with U.S. Representative Nancy Mace, during which Stephanopoulos mentioned Trump being found liable for rape and questioned Mace’s endorsement of him.
Legal Background of Carroll Case:
A New York jury ruled in May that Trump must pay $5 million in harm for sexually abusing Carroll in the 1990s and subsequently defaming her.
In a separate defamation lawsuit Carroll brought, a Manhattan federal jury ordered Trump to pay $83.3 million. Trump has appealed both rulings.
Trump’s Legal Strategy and Past Lawsuits:
Trump’s lawsuit against ABC News and Stephanopoulos is part of a pattern of legal battles he has pursued, often targeting media outlets critical of him.
He has previously filed unsuccessful defamation lawsuits, including one against CNN that a federal judge dismissed in July.
