An MSNBC host is facing backlash after once again repeating a false claim about President-elect Donald Trump—one that was so egregious it led to a significant legal settlement with ABC News and anchor George Stephanopoulos. This latest episode is a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts by liberal media outlets to smear Trump with unverified allegations, despite the fallout from previous similar incidents.
The false claim at the center of the controversy originated from a segment on ABC’s *This Week*, where George Stephanopoulos, in an interview with Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), claimed that Trump had been found “liable for rape” in relation to a civil case brought by E. Jean Carroll. The issue? The jury did not find Trump liable for “rape.” Instead, they ruled he was liable for “sexual abuse,” a distinction with significant legal and moral differences.
In the aftermath, Trump filed a defamation lawsuit against ABC News, and after a lengthy legal battle, the network agreed to a hefty $15 million settlement. This money will be donated to a “Presidential foundation and museum” that Trump will establish, following the precedent set by past presidents. On top of the settlement, ABC News also agreed to pay $1 million in Trump’s attorney fees, while Stephanopoulos himself will contribute $1 million of his own money toward the legal costs.
Yet, in a recent broadcast, an MSNBC host chose to repeat the same misleading narrative. Commenting on the situation, the host claimed, “It feels like it has a real chilling effect.” She continued, “What George Stephanopoulos said in that interview… seems to hold up with what the judge said after the fact.” She even mocked the settlement by highlighting the significant amount of money involved, dismissing the gravity of the legal misstep that led to the payout. Her statements, however, ignored the truth—that the jury’s verdict was *not* about “rape” but about “sexual abuse,” a fact that has already been legally clarified.
The incident quickly gained attention on social media, with conservative commentators calling out the host for spreading disinformation. The popular account “End Wokeness” tweeted, “MSNBC host just repeated the same lie that forced ABC to pay $15M to Trump.” One user echoed the sentiment, writing, “Anybody in the media that spreads lies about Trump— I don’t blame him for suing them. By the time it’s all said and done, the fake news media will end up paying for Trump’s entire presidential library!” Another pointed out that the legal settlement was likely driven by the risk of further legal costs or losing the case, noting, “ABC could afford the legal bills.”
The truth of the matter is that this situation continues to demonstrate the lengths to which liberal media outlets will go to spread falsehoods about Trump, even in the face of legal accountability. ABC News and Stephanopoulos have already publicly apologized and issued a statement of regret for their misstatements, as part of the terms of the settlement. Despite this, certain members of the media refuse to learn from their mistakes, perpetuating the same lies.
As we head into the 2024 election cycle, it is crucial for Americans to be aware of the ongoing efforts by certain media outlets to mislead the public with false claims. The $15 million settlement serves as a stark reminder that the media’s pursuit of sensationalism and bias can have real consequences, and that accountability is a necessary part of journalism.
