George Stephanopoulos signs new deal with ABC as network faces millions in damages from Trump defamation lawsuit.

According to reports, ABC News has signed a new deal with George Stephanopoulos, despite the network losing millions in its lawsuit settlement with President-elect Donald Trump.

Stephanpoulos, who made up to $18 million per year in his previous contract, was involved in a defamation suit that was settled with Trump last week. However, it is reported that the timing between the settlement and his new contract was coincidental.

Planet Chronicle Digital's request for comment from ABC News was not immediately responded to.

Stephanopoulos' contract extension came after reports of alleged drama at the Disney-owned network. According to Variety, Stephanopolous was "surprised" by his bosses' decision to settle the defamation lawsuit and was "displeased" with the outcome.

According to Variety's report, network insiders were uncertain about the impact of the settlement on Stephanopoulos' future at ABC. However, hours after the story was published, The Los Angeles Times reported that the anchor had been extended at ABC.

The lawsuit was a result of a dispute between Stephanpoulos and Rep. Mace on "This Week" in March, where Stephanpoulos made ten claims that Trump was found guilty of rape, but the jury in the E. Jean Carroll case only found him liable for sexual abuse, which has a specific meaning under New York law.

The "Good Morning America" co-host initially refused to be intimidated by Trump's lawsuit and told Colbert he wouldn't be silenced from performing his duties.

Stephanopoulos said that Trump sued him for using the word "rape," despite a judge ruling it was true, and they filed a motion to dismiss.

In December, a judge rejected ABC News' request to dismiss Trump's lawsuit and reached a settlement with the president-elect, avoiding a costly trial.

As per the settlement, ABC News will contribute $15 million to a presidential foundation and museum to be established by or for the plaintiff, as past presidents of the United States have done. Furthermore, the network will pay $1 million in legal fees for Trump's attorneys.

An editor's note was issued by ABC News and George Stephanopoulos expressing regret for statements made during an interview with Rep. Nancy Mace on ABC's This Week on March 10, 2024.

Rival networks such as CNN, NBC, and MSNBC, which are known for their liberal leanings, accused ABC News of "bending the knee" to Trump.