

Drone On
25 snips Dec 18, 2024
The podcast dives into the ramifications of a defamation lawsuit settlement between ABC News and Donald Trump, dissecting the legal nuances involved. It explores the challenges media faces when navigating defamation issues, including the real-world implications of high-profile libel cases. The discussion highlights the strategic choices made in legal battles and the necessity of clear communication surrounding complex legal terminologies. It emphasizes the interplay between media interests and legal decisions, shedding light on the motivations behind settling versus going to trial.
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Stephanopoulos’s Misstatement
- George Stephanopoulos repeatedly stated that Trump was found liable for rape.
- However, the jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse, not rape.
Legal Nuance of Rape vs. Sexual Abuse
- While sexual abuse under New York law is similar to rape, the jury did not explicitly find Trump liable for rape.
- This distinction is crucial in the defamation case.
Impact of Specific Language on Legal Risk
- Preet Bharara questions if Stephanopoulos's specific, repeated claim about the rape liability created legal peril for ABC.
- The jury explicitly rejected the rape claim on the verdict form.