Donald J. Trump vs. American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. et al

Case Background

On March 18, 2024, Plaintiff Donald J. Trump filed a Defamation lawsuit in the United States District Court Southern District of Florida, Miami Division(Case number: 1:24cv21050). This case was assigned to Chief Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga and referred to Magistrate Judge Lisette M. Reid

Cause

Plaintiff Donald J. Trump filed a defamation lawsuit against American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (ABC News), and George Stephanopoulos. He alleged that the Defendants made false and defamatory statements during a televised interview that aired on a widely watched program. In the broadcast, ABC News and Stephanopoulos allegedly stated and implied that a prior legal proceeding involving Trump and E. Jean Carroll had resulted in him being found liable for rape. Trump emphasized that these statements misrepresented the outcomes of the lawsuits, as neither Carroll I nor Carroll II held him liable for such allegations. He claimed that the Defendants recklessly aired these statements without verifying their accuracy, knowing the significant impact such claims would have on his reputation.

Injuries

Trump asserted that the defamatory statements severely damaged his reputation, both personally and professionally. The broadcast exposed millions of viewers to false claims, tarnishing his public image and diminishing his standing in both political and private spheres