George Stephanopoulos, co-host of 'Good Morning America', has renewed his contract with ABC News despite criticism over the network's settlement of a defamation suit filed by President-elect Donald Trump. The agreement, which included a payment of $15 million to Trump's presidential library and $1 million in legal fees, stemmed from Stephanopoulos' on-air statement that Trump had been found civilly liable for raping writer E. Jean Carroll. Trump sued over the characterization, arguing that the jury found him liable for sexual abuse, not rape. While some journalists at ABC were disappointed with the settlement and apology to Trump, Disney prioritized the stability of 'Good Morning America', which has seen declining ratings.
'Good Morning America' co-host George Stephanopoulos , who is taking fire over the Walt Disney Co.'s decision to settle President-elect Trump's defamation suit against ABC News , isn't going anywhere. Stephanopoulos, 63, recently agreed to a new multi-year contract to remain with the ABC News morning program, according to several people familiar with matter who were not authorized to comment publicly. An ABC News representative declined comment.
'The incoming president is going to make the use of libel laws as a mechanism to harass and intimidate the people they perceive as their opponents,' said veteran 1st Amendment attorney Lee Levine. 'That's now perfectly clear. ... He wants to send a message out there: 'Don't cross me.
GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS ABC NEWS DONALD TRUMP DEFAMATION LAWSUIT GOOD MORNING AMERICA RATINGS
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