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Former President Donald Trump has launched a defamation lawsuit against ABC News and anchor George Stephanopoulos following remarks made during a recent interview with Congresswoman Nancy Mace. The lawsuit revolves around Stephanopoulos's statement that Trump had been found "liable for rape," a claim Trump contends is false and defamatory.
The controversy stems from a New York jury's verdict, which found Trump liable for sexual abuse but not rape. Trump argues that Stephanopoulos's characterization of the verdict during the interview constitutes a deliberate misrepresentation of the facts, tarnishing his reputation and causing irreparable harm.
This legal action marks Trump's latest effort to challenge media organizations over allegations of defamation. Despite previous unsuccessful lawsuits against outlets such as CNN, The Washington Post, and The New York Times, Trump remains determined to seek redress for what he perceives as unfair and inaccurate reporting.
The lawsuit against ABC News and Stephanopoulos underscores the contentious nature of media coverage surrounding Trump and highlights the ongoing battle over the boundaries of journalistic integrity and freedom of speech. As legal proceedings unfold, the case is likely to draw significant attention and scrutiny, further illuminating the complexities of navigating the intersection between media scrutiny and public figures' reputations.