Liberals will do anything to bring down Trump.
Former President Donald Trump has initiated legal action against ABC News and its anchor George Stephanopoulos, alleging defamation following remarks made during a contentious interview. Stephanopoulos, in the midst of a vigorous exchange with Rep. Nancy Mace on “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,” referenced allegations against Trump by E. Jean Carroll, a writer, stating that multiple juries had found him “liable for rape.”
Trump’s attorney, Alejandro Brito, filed the complaint in federal court, contending that Stephanopoulos exhibited “actual malice” or a reckless disregard for the truth. The lawsuit challenges the accuracy of Stephanopoulos’ assertions, emphasizing that previous legal proceedings did not establish Trump’s liability for rape but rather for other charges.
The complaint highlights Stephanopoulos’ repetition of the statement throughout the interview and contrasts it with prior instances where ABC News clarified the legal outcomes more accurately. Notably, the lawsuit draws attention to Stephanopoulos’ past interviews with Carroll, where he previously acknowledged the nuances of the legal findings.
In response to the lawsuit, a judge’s memo from a prior civil case involving Carroll’s allegations is referenced. The memo distinguishes between legal definitions of rape and the colloquial understanding, emphasizing that Trump’s legal liability did not hinge on a finding of rape under New York law.
Furthermore, the legal action underscores Trump’s previous defamation lawsuits against media outlets and the outcomes of those cases. Despite previous legal challenges, Trump remains resolute in his pursuit of legal remedies for perceived defamation.
The interview with Mace also garnered attention for Stephanopoulos’ questioning tactics, particularly in light of Mace’s personal experience as a rape survivor. Mace criticized Stephanopoulos for what she perceived as an attempt to exploit her traumatic past for political purposes, asserting her refusal to engage in a discussion framed to shame her or others.
In summary, Trump’s lawsuit against ABC News and Stephanopoulos underscores the contentious nature of media coverage and the legal complexities surrounding allegations of defamation in the public sphere.
