Attorneys representing former President Donald Trump have filed a lawsuit against ABC host George Stephanopoulos, citing his inaccurate statement that Trump was found guilty of rape in his civil case with E. Jean Carroll.
In the lawsuit filed in Miami federal court, Trump’s attorney Alejandro Brito alleges that Stephanopoulos demonstrated “malice” and a “reckless” disregard for the truth during a recent interview with Congresswoman Nancy Mace. Stephanopoulos incorrectly stated that Trump had been found guilty of rape in the Carroll case, when in fact, he was found liable for sexual abuse under New York law.
During the interview, Stephanopoulos asked Rep. Mace, a rape survivor, to explain her endorsement of Trump despite the New York jury’s decision against him in the Carroll case.
“Judges and two separate juries have found him liable for rape and for defaming the victim of that rape. How do you square your endorsement of Donald Trump with the testimony we just saw,
Legal experts have offered differing opinions on the potential outcome of Trump’s defamation lawsuit against Stephanopoulos. Fox News contributor Leo Terrell believes Trump has a strong case, emphasizing that there is no legal document finding Trump liable for rape. He accuses Stephanopoulos of intentionally harming Trump’s reputation.
However, former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Andrew McCarthy, believes Trump’s lawsuit would not hold up legally. While acknowledging Stephanopoulos’ potential political hypocrisy, McCarthy argues that the jury did find Trump liable for sexual abuse in the Carroll case, and Trump cannot demonstrate defamation or real harm from Stephanopoulos’ comments.
An ABC News spokesperson defended Stephanopoulos’ interview, stating that he asked relevant and meaningful questions for viewers.
