ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos expressed defiance against former President Trump's defamation lawsuit, asserting that he will continue to fulfill his journalistic duties without intimidation.
ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos has remained steadfast in the face of a defamation lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump, declaring that he will not be deterred from his journalistic responsibilities.
In an interview on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," Stephanopoulos addressed the lawsuit, which stems from his remarks during an interview with Republican Rep. Nancy Mace on ABC's "This Week." Stephanopoulos had stated several times during the interview that Trump was "found liable for rape," referring to a federal jury verdict in the civil trial of advice columnist E. Jean Carroll v. Trump.
However, the jury had determined that Trump was not liable for rape but was liable for sexual abuse and defamation. Stephanopoulos stood by his use of the term "liable for rape," maintaining that it accurately reflects the court's findings.
"Trump sued me because I used the word ‘rape,’ even though a judge said that’s in fact what did happen," Stephanopoulos said. "We filed a motion to dismiss."
Stephanopoulos criticized Mace for accusing him of being the problem rather than addressing the jury's findings of Trump's liability for sexual abuse and defamation. He emphasized his intention to continue asking questions that are relevant to viewers.
"Unfortunately, it now comes with the territory," Stephanopoulos said of facing legal challenges. "But I’m not going to be cowed out of doing my job because of a threat."
ABC News has expressed support for Stephanopoulos and his journalistic approach.
"George did his job by asking meaningful questions that are relevant to our viewers," an ABC News spokesperson said prior to the lawsuit being filed.
Legal experts have provided varying perspectives on the lawsuit's merits. Some argue that Trump's claims are weak and that Stephanopoulos's statements were protected by the First Amendment. Others contend that the use of the term "liable for rape" may have crossed the line into defamation.
The case is expected to proceed through the legal process, with both sides presenting their arguments and the court ultimately determining the outcome.
