ABC News trolled for letting George Stephanopoulos stay as 'GMA' host despite $15M Trump settlement drama

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK:  ABC News host George Stephanopoulos has signed a new deal that will keep him at ABC News and as an anchor on 'Good Morning America' for the near term.

A source said the deal was in the works before the network reached a $15 million legal settlement with lawyers for President-elect Donald Trump over a libel claim involving Stephanopoulos, reported Variety.

George Stephanopoulos stays with ABC News despite Trump settlement drama

An industry source with knowledge of the deal informed that the extension was shorter than a typical on-air talent pact, which is another sign of the times for the TV news business, per the outlet.

Notably, Stephanopoulos was surprised and angered by the $15 million legal settlement that included an apology. 

However, under his previous deal, Stephanopoulos was one of the highest-paid anchors on TV, making up to $18 million per year. Stephanopoulos' fate has been at the center of much speculation in recent days after Disney CEO Bob Iger approved a $15 million settlement and an additional $1 million, as well as a quasi-apology, to settle a lawsuit from Trump.

Interestingly, Stephanopoulos is believed to have been blindsided by the deal and unaware that Disney had decided to settle, according to Variety.

Moreover, during the weekend, Stephanopoulos deleted his account on X (formerly Twitter), where he had more than 2.3 million followers, after heavy blowback to the Disney settlement. 

Meanwhile, talent reps have also been keeping a close eye on shows like ABC's 'Good Morning America' in the wake of other recent major trims in the news business, per the outlet.

Stephanopoulos' last reported deal renewal was in 2019 when he signed a four-year deal to continue at the network. He then extended that contract in 2021 and added new production duties.

It included a new program on politics for Hulu and four hour-long specials for primetime, while 'World News Tonight’s' David Muir was made lead anchor for ABC News’ special reports and news of national importance.

Notably, Stephanopoulos has been with the company since 1997, when he joined the news outlet as an analyst, following a stint as communications director in the Bill Clinton White House.

Internet trolls ABC News and George Stephanopoulos as he signs new deal

Several internet users trolled ABC News and George Stephanopoulos after he signed a new deal that will keep him with the news outlet as an anchor on 'Good Morning America'.

A user wrote on X, "So we agree that Stephanopoulos is bad," while another commented, "Disgusting. I don’t watch GMA. Don’t watch This Week. Take the money and run, right George? If he had any integrity, he would have quit."

One person stated, "They always fail upwards," whereas another mentioned, "He's always been insufferable."

One individual wrote, "I’m done with ABC and Disney. Hope people tune out Monday night football. Love to see that rating drop," while another added, "ABC never should have let Trump strong arm them. Now he won't stop. ABC will become another Fox News."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.