Many in the news media industry have shared concerns after ABC News settled a defamation lawsuit brought by Donald Trump for $15 million. Keith Olbermann has joined those questioning the move.
Earlier this year, Trump launched the suit after ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos claimed the then former President had been found civilly liable for rape after a judgment favored writer E. Jean Carroll. Attorneys for Trump argued that the verdict made no such claims, and sued the news organization.
During his Countdown with Keith Olbermann podcast, the former cable news host lambasted the move by the organization. Olbermann shared that he first met Disney CEO Bob Iger in 1979. He added that the executive gave him invaluable advice about his career, which he continued to follow. However, he believed it was time for Iger to take some advice.
“After 45 and a half years, I would like to repay Bob Iger … sell ABC News to somebody who actually cares about the future of news,” said Olbermann. “And the future of journalism. And the future of this country, because you guys at Disney hate it anymore.
“What do you think you bought for yourself here Bob? Trump’s gratitude? Trump somehow remembering you fondly? Or at least neutrally the next time ABC News does something he doesn’t like? Like, say, accurately reporting how many people show up to his inauguration, or how many insurrectionists see pardons, or how many people die during the migrant roundups into the migrant concentration camps? Even if Trump can still remember, you think he will remember? Or that all the mini-Trumps will?”
In the settlement, ABC News agreed to pay $15 million to help fund the presidential library for Trump, while also paying another $1 million to cover attorney fees for the President-elect.
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