Donald Trump, the presumptive GOP nominee, has filed a defamation lawsuit against ABC News and George Stephanopoulos following comments made during an interview with Rep. Nancy Mace. During the interview, Stephanopoulos stated multiple times that Trump was “found liable for rape,” prompting Trump to take legal action.
The lawsuit, filed in Florida, alleges that Stephanopoulos’ statements were false and made with “actual malice or with a reckless disregard for the truth,” given that a federal jury in New York determined Trump was not liable for rape but for sexual abuse and defamation in a civil trial involving E. Jean Carroll vs. Trump.
Trump vehemently denies any wrongdoing and views the jury’s decision as a vindication. Trump’s legal team asserts that Stephanopoulos’ failure to retract or correct the false statements, despite Trump’s representatives contacting ABC News, demonstrates a continued disregard for the truth.
The lawsuit highlights the ongoing dissemination of false information by other news outlets, perpetuating the damage caused by Stephanopoulos’ remarks.
By initiating the lawsuit, Trump seeks to address what he perceives as a grave injustice and to set the record straight regarding the allegations made against him.
The lawsuit requests a jury trial, indicating Trump’s commitment to pursuing legal recourse to defend his reputation and hold accountable those he believes have defamed him.