ABC's "Good Morning America" host George Stephanopoulos has reportedly agreed to a new contract amidst controversy surrounding the network's settlement of Donald Trump's defamation lawsuit against it. The uproar began when Stephanopoulos inaccurately used the term "rape" to describe a civil verdict in E. Jean Carroll's sexual assault suit against Trump, prompting the former president to sue.
The settlement raised questions about Stephanopoulos' future at the network and sparked internal pushback at ABC for conceding in the legal battle with Trump. However, reports indicate that concerns over the ratings of "Good Morning America" falling behind NBC's "Today" may have been a bigger worry for ABC than the public backlash over the settlement. Stephanopoulos, who has cohosted the show since 2009, is seen as providing continuity and journalistic credibility to the morning show audience.
Variety reported that the contract details were finalized before the defamation payout, and the network's perceived capitulation to Trump had reportedly angered Stephanopoulos. ABC News did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the matter.
In a filing made public over the weekend, ABC News disclosed that it would pay $15 million towards Trump's presidential library as part of the settlement. Trump has made it clear that he intends to pursue legal action against news organizations that he believes have treated him unfairly, as evidenced by his lawsuits against CBS and the Des Moines Register.
The situation surrounding George Stephanopoulos' new contract at ABC remains a topic of interest and speculation, highlighting the intersection of media, politics, and legal battles in today's landscape.