ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos ignored repeated warnings from his producer not to use the word “rape” during a segment discussing Donald Trump—leading to a $16 million defamation settlement, sources have revealed as reported by the New York Post.
The incident occurred in March during an interview with Republican lawmaker Nancy Mace on This Weekwhere Stephanopoulos referred to Trump as “liable for rape” in connection with a civil lawsuit won by journalist E Jean Carroll. Sources close to the situation say Stephanopoulos was specifically cautioned not to use the term, with one producer allegedly repeating the warning multiple times before the segment.
“’This Week’ producer said ‘don’t use the word rape’ before the segment started,” an insider said as quoted by the Post. “The E.P. [executive producer] said it so many times.” A second source confirmed the warning, showing a text message sent to the team that read, “Don’t say rape.”
Despite these clear instructions, Stephanopoulos proceeded to make the controversial statement, which ultimately led to the defamation lawsuit filed by Trump against ABC News and the anchor.
The legal fallout and quick settlement
The consequences of Stephanopoulos’ decision to ignore the producer’s warnings were severe. Disney, ABC’s parent company, settled the lawsuit last week for $16 million—$15 million of which was directed to a presidential foundation and $1 million to Trump’s attorney fees. The settlement came after a Florida judge rejected a request to delay the case, ordering Stephanopoulos and Trump to sit for depositions just days before Christmas. The judge also demanded the release of Stephanopoulos’ communications, including text messages and emails, which could have been damaging for ABC.
Legal experts say that Disney’s decision to settle quickly was likely influenced by the potential damage caused by Stephanopoulos’ defiance. “If he ignored the producer’s warning, it would make it harder for Disney to defend itself in court,” one legal expert said.
Stephanopoulos’ apology and ABC’s internal strain
As part of the settlement, Stephanopoulos was forced to publicly apologize—a decision that left him “apoplectic” and “humiliated,” sources told The Post. Inside ABC News, staff have been calling the anchor “Furious George” in reference to his frustration with the forced apology.
“Everyone seems to be asking that question except ABC brass,” a source within the network said, questioning how Stephanopoulos can continue to cover Trump moving forward.
Double-down on ‘rape’
The controversy intensified when Stephanopoulos reasserted his use of the word “rape” just days after the lawsuit was filed. Appearing on CBS’ The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, he doubled down on his claim that the word was appropriate, based on comments made by the judge in the New York case.
“I’m not going to be cowed out of doing my job because of the threat,” Stephanopoulos said during the appearance.
Trump has denied all wrongdoing in relation to Carroll’s allegations, but a New York court had already found him liable for sexual abuse related to an incident in 1996 and later defamation regarding Carroll’s claims.
As the dust settles on the legal battle, ABC News and its parent company Disney are left to deal with the fallout from one word—and the heavy cost of ignoring a producer’s warning.
