Trump settles with ABC News for $15 million after defamation complaint

new york - Incoming US President Donald Trump has reached a settlement with news channel ABC and their news anchor George Stephanopoulos after accusing them of defamation.

The two parties have avoided a costly lawsuit with the agreement, US media report. Stephanopoulos and ABC News also express regret for comments made about Trump during an interview with Trump's party member Nancy Mace earlier this year. Interviewer Stephanopoulos claimed that Trump had been 'held liable for rape.' He expressed his disbelief that Mace, a rape victim, supported Trump.

Stephanopoulos repeated the claim ten times during his heated discussion with Mace, according to Fox News. However, a jury in New York has determined that Trump is liable for 'sexual misconduct,' which is different from rape in that state.