GOP frontrunner and former President Donald Trump filed a lawsuit against ABC News and anchor George Stephanopoulos on Monday for repeatedly claiming he was found liable for rape, alleging defamation.
In a March 10th interview with Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), Stephanopoulos repeatedly claimed Trump had been found liable for rape in the trial with E. Jean Carroll as a way to criticize Mace’s endorsement of Trump. In response, Mace argued Stephanopoulos was trying to “shame” her and found his characterization of her position “offensive.”
“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,” Stephanopoulos argued in the interview.
Learn the benefits of becoming a Valuetainment Member and subscribe today!
Trump and his legal team are taking issue with Stephanopoulos’ use of the word “rape,” as Trump was found liable for sexual abuse under New York law, and the jury “expressly found that [Trump] did not commit rape.”
“These statements were and remain false, and were made by Defendant Stephanopoulos with actual malice or with a reckless disregard for the truth given that Defendant Stephanopoulos knows that these statements are patently and demonstrably false,” wrote Trump attorney Alejandro Brito.
They further argue there is evidence to show Stephanopoulos was aware of the jury’s finding “yet still falsely stated otherwise.”
Trump is asking for a yet-to-be specified amount of damages as compensation. The suit was filed in federal court in Miami, Florida. When asked by The Hill, ABC declined to offer comment.
Shane Devine is a writer covering politics, economics, and culture for Valuetainment. Follow Shane on X (Twitter).
Add comment