In the world of media and entertainment, controversies often spill over into public debates, and sometimes even legal battles. The latest storm centers on Disney’s ABC News and one of its most prominent anchors, George Stephanopoulos. Following a contentious interview with Congresswoman Nancy Mace and a defamation lawsuit filed by Donald Trump, questions are now swirling about Stephanopoulos’ future at the network.
The controversy began earlier this year when George Stephanopoulos interviewed Congresswoman Nancy Mace, a Republican lawmaker and a survivor of sexual assault.
Related: Judge Tosses Out Major Lawsuit Against Disney and ABC Star
During the interview, Stephanopoulos pressed Mace on her endorsement of Donald Trump, who had been found liable for sexual assault in a civil case brought by journalist E. Jean Carroll. He said, “You’ve endorsed Donald Trump for president. Donald Trump has been found liable for rape by a jury. Donald Trump has been found liable for defaming the victim of that rape by a jury. It’s been affirmed by a judge…”
This pointed questioning led Trump to file a defamation lawsuit against ABC News and Stephanopoulos, accusing them of unfairly damaging his reputation. The lawsuit came at a critical time, with Trump gearing up for another presidential campaign amid multiple legal challenges.
Rather than fight the lawsuit in court, Disney and ABC News opted to settle for $16 million. This decision has sparked intense debate, with some experts viewing it as a pragmatic move to avoid prolonged legal battles, while others argue that it sets a dangerous precedent.
According to Variety, some legal scholars warned that the settlement could have a “chilling effect,” discouraging news outlets from holding public figures accountable out of fear of litigation.
Stephanopoulos’ reaction to the settlement has reportedly been less than positive. Sources close to the situation described him as “humiliated” by the network’s decision to issue an apology as part of the settlement agreement. This development has led to speculation about whether Stephanopoulos’ tenure at ABC News may be nearing its end.
Adding fuel to the fire, reports from The New York Post revealed that Stephanopoulos was explicitly advised not to use the word “rape” during his interview with Mace. A producer for This Week reportedly warned him multiple times before the segment aired.
“‘This Week’ producer said ‘don’t use the word rape’ before the segment started,” a network source told The Post. “The EP [executive producer] said it so many times.”
A second source at the show confirmed via a text message viewed by The Post that Stephanopoulos was warned “not to say rape.”
Disney’s chances of winning the lawsuit would be damaged if Stephanopoulos ignored his producer’s warning, legal experts told The Post.
The fallout from this lawsuit is emblematic of larger challenges facing ABC News. Once a leader in broadcast journalism, the network has seen its ratings slip in recent years. Stephanopoulos remains one of the highest-paid anchors in the industry, earning an estimated $18 million annually. However, with declining viewership and controversies like this one, some insiders are questioning whether he is worth the cost.
Related: Legal Shakeup at Disney Aimed at Addressing Potential Conflicts with Donald Trump
The decision to settle with Trump also reflects broader shifts in the media landscape. News organizations must navigate a polarized political environment where criticism of public figures can quickly escalate into legal disputes. Bob Iger, Disney’s CEO, has been a vocal supporter of Stephanopoulos in the past, but this latest controversy may test that loyalty.
As of now, neither Disney nor ABC News has commented publicly on the fallout from the settlement. However, industry insiders are closely watching to see if Stephanopoulos will remain a central figure at the network. Some speculate that his role may be diminished, while others believe he could leave ABC altogether.
The situation raises critical questions about the balance between journalistic integrity and corporate risk management. Can news organizations like ABC afford to take bold editorial stances in an era of heightened political and legal scrutiny? Or will the fear of lawsuits force them to tread more cautiously?
For now, the only certainty is that this story is far from over. As one of the most recognizable faces in news, Stephanopoulos finds himself at a crossroads, navigating a career-defining moment that could reshape his legacy—and the future of ABC News.
Do you think Disney and ABC should have fought the lawsuit in court? Or were they right to settle? Should they part ways with George Stephanopoulos? Share your thoughts in the comments!
I’m so disappointed. Is Disney/ABC worried about retribution from trump and his goons? They should have fought. Trump WAS convicted of rape. Just because he horsnt like the word doesn’t mean he’s not a CONVICTED RAPIST!