In a recent development, a federal judge has ruled that a defamation lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump against ABC News and George Stephanopoulos can proceed.
The lawsuit was filed in March and argued that ABC’s star anchor, George Stephanopoulos, defamed Donald Trump by saying on the air numerous times, in a March 10 segment on “This Week,” that the former president had been found liable for raping the writer E. Jean Carroll. The lawsuit hinges on a discrepancy: the court found Trump liable for the defamation and sexual assault of E. Jean Carrol. It did not find him liable for rape. However, the judge in the case later asserted that Mr. Trump had been held liable for rape “as many people commonly understand the word.”
Donald Trump is notorious for filing lawsuits against media sources, many of them having turned out to be unsuccessful. In the past, federal judges have dismissed his suits against The Washington Post, CNN and The New York Times.
Defamation cases, especially involving public figures, are notoriously difficult to prove, as they require showing that the defendant acted with actual malice or reckless disregard for the truth.
ABC News declined to comment on Wednesday. However, as is frequently the case for Donald Trump, he took to his social platform, Truth Social, to gloat about the ruling, calling it “A BIG WIN” against “ABC FAKE NEWS.” He also referred to Mr. Stephanopoulos by a mocking nickname and called him “LIDDLE.”
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the boundaries of free speech and the responsibilities of the media in reporting on public figures. As the case unfolds, it will be closely watched by legal experts, media professionals, and the public alike, all of whom have a vested interest in the balance between protecting reputations and upholding the freedom of expression enshrined in the First Amendment.
One of the most high-profile defamation lawsuits occurred when Fox News agreed to pay $787.5 million to Dominion Voting Systems to settle a defamation lawsuit. The suit stemmed from false election claims that were broadcasted by Fox News, which Dominion argued damaged their reputation and business.
The settlement was reached to avoid a trial that could have been both costly and damaging to Fox News’ reputation, as it would have involved public testimonies from high-profile figures at the network.
The present lawsuit against ABC News could have serious repercussions for how the media covers public figures.
