Legal expert Barbara McQuade voiced apprehension about the potential "chilling effect" the recent ABC News settlement with Donald Trump might have on future criticism of the president-elect. The settlement stems from a defamation lawsuit filed by Trump against the network and its host George Stephanopoulos.
The New York Post editorial board argued that Trump exercised restraint in the lawsuit, accepting a $15 million contribution to a future presidential foundation and museum, along with $1 million in legal fees, instead of pursuing more aggressive legal action against the Disney-owned network. They believe ABC was spared a potentially devastating legal discovery process.
The core of the lawsuit revolves around Stephanopoulos's repeated assertions on March 10th that Trump had been "found liable for rape" in a civil case involving E. Jean Carroll. The New York Post contends that these statements lacked a factual basis, given the nuances of the judge's ruling in the Carroll case. They criticized Stephanopoulos for seemingly misrepresenting the legal outcome for political gain.
While critics view the settlement as a troubling precedent for the incoming administration and media relations, the New York Post suggests that ABC likely settled to avoid potentially more damaging consequences if the case proceeded. The substantial payout implies a strategic decision by the network to mitigate further risk.
An ABC News spokesperson expressed satisfaction with the agreement, stating, "We are pleased that the parties have reached an agreement to dismiss the lawsuit on the terms in the court filing."
