George Stephanopoulos Rumored To Be Leaving ABC News After Humiliating Apology In Trump Defamation Lawsuit & Fight With David Muir

In the wake of a defamation suit with Donald Trump, Good Morning America news anchor George Stephanopoulos is reportedly “miserable” at his job.

It has been rumored that Stephanopoulos is not expected to stay at GMA much longer following the network parent company Disney’s December 2024 agreement to pay Trump a $16 million settlement in a defamation lawsuit. 

The lawsuit came in response to Stephanopoulos’ on-air comment that Trump was “found liable for rape” in the lawsuit by journalist E. Jean Carroll. Trump insisted that legally the correct phrasing is “sexual abuse,” and that Stephanopoulos propagated the “lie” with “malice” and purposeful disregard for the truth.

In the interview with Rep. Nancy Mace (R-South Carolina), Stephanopoulos disregarded the network’s warning forbidding the use of the word ‘rape’ on air and instead pushed Mace to justify supporting Trump with her personal history of sexual assault.

He pressed her, “I’m asking you a question, about why you endorse someone who’s been found liable for rape?”

Mace, whose stock has raised significantly ever since Trump was elected, responded, “As a rape victim, who’s been shamed for years now because of her rape, you’re trying to shame me again.”

Stephanopoulos had originally denounced the lawsuit, declaring to Stephen Colbert he wouldn’t be “cowed out of doing my job because of a threat.”

He continued, “Trump sued me because I used the word ‘rape’, even though a judge said that’s in fact what did happen. We filed a motion to dismiss.”

In Trump’s deal with Disney, Stephanopoulos was forced to apologize on air. Since Stephanopoulos’ apology, the anchor has reportedly isolated himself from others in the network.

A source reported to The New York Post, “George seems miserable…he’s definitely gone…he’s a dead man walking for sure.”

However, other sources speculated that Stephanopoulos might remain at the network but assume a more low-profile role, while one source shot down claims that Stephanopoulos was discontent altogether, saying, “This is nonsense, anyone watching GMA can see he’s engaged, all in, and as committed as ever…he’s happy to be here.”

Although Stephanopoulos’ contract was recently renewed by Disney, a longtime former executive explained, “The Disney way…they re-sign your contract, then they move you out.”

Trump has also sued CBS News for $20 billion in damages with allegations that the network used “deceptive conduct” in their October interview with Kamala Harris, conspiring to paint a more flattering picture of the former vice president.

Stephanopoulos is also rumored to detest his ABC New rival, David Muir, even complaining that he got a smaller dressing room.