Donald Trump and ABC News journalist George Stephanopoulos are scheduled to give depositions in a defamation lawsuit filed by Trump against Stephanopoulos and the network. The case revolves around remarks made by Stephanopoulos during a March interview, where he stated that Trump had been “found liable for rape.” Trump’s legal team contends the statement was false and defamatory, according to Fox News.
BREAKING: Donald Trump and ABC's George Stephanopoulos must sit for 4-hour deposition next week – judge
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) December 13, 2024
This is part of Trump's lawsuit against ABC for Stephanopoulos saying Trump r*ped E. Jean Carroll. pic.twitter.com/37QlWdXeQp
“You’ve endorsed Donald Trump for president. Judges and two separate juries have found him liable for rape and for defaming the victim of that rape,” Stephanopoulos said, said at the time in reference to the legal victory by Trump accuser E. Jean Carroll.
According to the outlet, Trump’s team argues that the false claim was repeated multiple times during the interview with Rep. Nancy Mace, amplifying its potential impact.
Here is the video 🚨
— @Chicago1Ray 🇺🇸 (@Chicago1Ray) December 13, 2024
Trump sued George Stephanopoulos after this interview with Nancy Mace for defamation, and Stephanopoulos is now scheduled for a deposition next week
Raise your hand ✋️ if you hope Trump gets every dime he can outta Stephanopoulos pic.twitter.com/kGZnsHML6G
In a recent decision, U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisette M. Reid ruled that Trump, with his presidential campaign now concluded, must appear for an in-person deposition next week, noting that Trump presented a “fairly good argument.”
“He’s now in a completely different posture, and he should be able to make himself available,” she said, the outlet reported.
Trump’s lawyers raised logistical concerns, emphasizing that the involvement of the Secret Service in his protection could complicate the scheduling process.
“I’m going to do everything in my power to make the president available,” Trump’s attorney, lawyer, Alejandro Brito said, per Fox News. “But there are limitations of my ability to do so. I have to factor the Secret Service into the equation.”
In contrast, Stephanopoulos has been permitted to conduct his deposition remotely, providing added flexibility to the legal process. As the lawsuit progresses, ABC News continues to support Stephanopoulos in light of these allegations. The case is set for trial, with jury proceedings rescheduled from April to June 2025 due to delays requested by both parties, the outlet reports.
