In a recent interview with Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos faced criticism for repeatedly suggesting that former President Donald Trump had been found “liable for rape” in a civil trial involving advice columnist E. Jean Carroll. Washington Examiner’s chief political correspondent Byron York accused Stephanopoulos of misrepresenting the jury’s findings, which have become a point of contention.
The jury in the 2023 civil trial did not find Trump liable for rape but did find him liable for sexual abuse and defamation. Despite this, Stephanopoulos was noted to have stated numerous times during the interview that Trump was found “liable for rape,” a statement that has been disputed by legal experts and commentators.
This distinction is significant because the jury was explicitly asked if Carroll had proven by a preponderance of evidence that Trump raped her, to which they responded negatively. The verdict, therefore, was not an exoneration but indicated that Trump was liable for sexual abuse, not rape as Stephanopoulos suggested.
York pointed out that the judge involved in the case later offered an interpretation that seemed to imply the jury had implicitly found Trump liable for rape. However, this interpretation does not change the fact that the jury’s direct response to the question of rape was negative.
The exchange between Stephanopoulos and Mace, a rape survivor, has sparked calls for an apology from ABC and women’s groups for the manner in which the question was posed and the implications it carried. The distinction between sexual abuse and rape, while nuanced, is crucial in understanding the jury’s verdict and the implications of Stephanopoulos’ assertions.
This incident underscores the complex nature of legal definitions and the importance of accurate media representation, especially in cases involving sensitive allegations and high-profile figures. As discussions continue, the focus remains on the clarity and accuracy of reporting on legal matters and the impact of such reports on public understanding and discourse.