Reports say longtime anchor George Stephanopoulos is miserable and a dead man walking after ABC News' $16 million settlement with Donald Trump

George Stephanopoulos is miserable following ABC's $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump. Stephanopoulos made a controversial statement on-air that the president-elect was found "liable for misconduct" against author E. Jean Carroll in March, instead of using the proper phrase. Shortly after the segment aired, President Trump filed a defamation lawsuit against Stephanopoulos and the network, claiming the anchor made the remarks with "malice" and a disdain for the facts, as quoted in a report by the Daily Mail.

Stephanopoulos had to apologize in public as part of the settlement.

Will Stephanopoulos stay at ABC?

Since then, he has distanced himself from the network, according to insiders who told the New York Post that he might lose his job by the summer.


According to one report, "George seems miserable. Without a doubt, he is gone. He's definitely a walking dead man.”

But others suggested Stephanopoulos might continue to work at the network in a more low-key capacity, perhaps on television and movie projects.

The New York Post quoted the anonymous source as saying, "This is nonsense." "It is evident to everyone watching GMA that he is engaged, fully committed, and all in. He is glad to be here. The Disney-owned network has already extended the former Bill Clinton aide's contract by a number of years.

According to reports, his current contract, which included producing documentaries and hosting Sunday news staple This Week and Good Morning America, paid him $20 million annually.

However, the new contract includes a pay decrease from his $20–25 million annual salary as well as the potential for his role to eventually be reduced. They pointed out that Stephanopoulos, who has been with the network since 1997, is not always prevented from leaving because of a contract renewal, as reported by the Daily Mail.

Since Stephanopoulos' interview with Republican Representative Nancy Mace, network executives have reportedly been upset with him.

FAQs

Why is George Stephanopoulos unhappy at ABC?
He is reportedly isolated and dissatisfied after ABC settled President Donald Trump's lawsuit over an incorrect on-air statement about the president.

Is Stephanopoulos departing ABC?
While some sources claim he is leaving, others insist he will remain with the network, albeit in a reduced role.