Staff Reports
George Stephanopoulos finds himself in a state of extreme agitation, reportedly feeling both “apoplectic” and “humiliated” following Disney CEO Bob Iger’s decision to approve a hefty $15 million settlement—plus an additional million for legal fees—with Donald Trump. This outcome serves as a slap in the face for the former Clinton aide and a significant victory for Trump, who has long been vocal about the biases permeating mainstream media.
The trouble began when Stephanopoulos, during a notorious interview with Republican Rep. Nancy Mace, made the egregious claim that Trump had raped E. Jean Carroll. This invasive remark stirred outrage, and now the anchor is left scrambling to recover his dignity, as insiders reveal he was particularly distressed over having to issue an apology after the network’s colossal misstep. While some sources indicate that Stephanopoulos maintains a defiant posture—clearly unwilling to fully concede his error—it doesn’t change the fact that he’s been put in a position to grovel.
What's really striking, looking at Trump-ABC defamation settlement, is how determined George Stephanopoulos was to push the falsehood that Trump had been found liable for rape. Said it over and over. Each time made it harder to defend. https://t.co/xykZVgRGEQ pic.twitter.com/esADM3gSpB
— Byron York (@ByronYork) December 16, 2024
The fallout doesn’t stop there. Inside ABC News, whispers of discontent have been brewing among staffers who are frustrated by the network’s silence surrounding the settlement. Employees are reportedly furious that the settlement has been largely ignored by their own newsroom while it has made headlines everywhere else. Rather than stand firm against Trump’s claims, ABC’s decision—a reflection of corporate interests over journalistic integrity—has left many feeling unsettled about the network’s future.
The stated rationale behind the quick settlement is questionable. By choosing to settle instead of contesting Trump’s allegations, Disney seems to have tacitly acknowledged that the former president’s case had merit. While Stephanopoulos and others at ABC might have expected to weather this storm, they instead find themselves in murky waters, struggling with a reality where they might be seen as prioritizing their corporate relations over journalistic principles.
Trump’s critics should take note of this debacle—not as an occasion for sympathy but rather as a reminder of the consequences that follow irresponsible journalism. For a network that has aggressively pushed progressive narratives, often sacrificing truth for sensationalism, this case serves as a glaring example of failure. Stephanopoulos and ABC have to come to terms with a crucial lesson: reckless allegations against public figures can backfire, leading to financial penalties and loss of credibility.
If George Stephanopoulos and his colleagues believe they can continue their partisan reporting without repercussions, they are gravely mistaken. With speculation swirling that the fallout might lead to his departure from the network, one can’t help but wonder if they will acknowledge the deeper truth about their biases and practices—or if they will simply surreptitiously move on to the next scandal, only to find themselves in the same predicament again. The clock is ticking, and the eyes of the public are watching closely.
