ABC News has inked a new deal with anchor George Stephanopoulos, reportedly worth millions, despite a recent defamation lawsuit settlement with President-elect Donald Trump. Sources indicate that Stephanopoulos, who was at the center of the lawsuit, was “blindsided” by his bosses’ decision to settle the dispute and was initially unhappy with the outcome. However, just hours after reports of behind-the-scenes drama at the Disney-owned network surfaced, The Los Angeles Times broke the news of Stephanopoulos’ contract extension.
The settlement, valued at $15 million, was reached in December, with ABC News agreeing to make a charitable contribution to a “Presidential foundation and museum” and paying $1 million in Trump’s attorney fees. Additionally, Stephanopoulos and ABC News issued a statement of “regret” for statements made during an interview with Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., in which Trump was inaccurately described as being found “liable for rape.”
Liberal critics from rival networks, including CNN, NBC, and MSNBC, have accused ABC News of “bending the knee” to Trump, while others have defended Stephanopoulos, calling the settlement a “low, low point” for the network. Stephanopoulos, known for his high pay, reportedly made up to $18 million per year in his previous contract.
