Major Controversies Surrounding George Stephanopoulos: A Detailed Timeline

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to George Stephanopoulos.

George Stephanopoulos is an American television host, political commentator, and former Democratic advisor. He co-anchors Good Morning America and hosts ABC's This Week. He is a prominent figure in American political media, known for his roles both in front of and behind the camera.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

February 25, 1994: Conference Call Regarding Madison Guaranty Investigation

On February 25, 1994, George Stephanopoulos and Harold Ickes had a conference call with Roger Altman to discuss the Resolution Trust Corporation's choice of Republican lawyer Jay Stephens to head the Madison Guaranty investigation and whether Stephens could be removed.

1994: Commercial Real Estate Deal

In 1994, George Stephanopoulos signed an $835,000 commercial real estate deal with a below-market loan rate from a bank owned by Hugh McColl.

1994: Efforts to Discredit Paula Jones

In 1994, after Paula Jones accused Bill Clinton of sexual harassment, George Stephanopoulos and James Carville sought to discredit her allegations. Stephanopoulos also successfully sought to keep Jones' news conference off television.

1995: Arrest for Traffic Incident

In 1995, George Stephanopoulos was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an accident and driving with an expired license and license plates after a collision with a parked vehicle in Washington, D.C.

1999: Defamation Lawsuit by Gennifer Flowers

In 1999, George Stephanopoulos and James Carville were sued for defamation by Gennifer Flowers due to comments Stephanopoulos made about her allegations of an affair with Bill Clinton. The suit was dismissed.

April 16, 2008: Co-Moderation of Democratic Presidential Debate

On April 16, 2008, George Stephanopoulos co-moderated the Democratic Party presidential debate between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton with Charles Gibson. They were criticized for focusing on campaign controversies rather than issues.

2010: Attended Dinner Party at Jeffrey Epstein's Home

In 2010, George Stephanopoulos attended a dinner party at the home of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

2012: Donation to Clinton Foundation

In 2012, George Stephanopoulos donated $25,000 to the Clinton Foundation.

2013: Donation to Clinton Foundation

In 2013, George Stephanopoulos donated $25,000 to the Clinton Foundation.

2014: Donation to Clinton Foundation

In 2014, George Stephanopoulos donated $25,000 to the Clinton Foundation.

April 26, 2015: Interview with Peter Schweizer

On April 26, 2015, George Stephanopoulos interviewed Peter Schweizer, the author of Clinton Cash, without disclosing his donations to the Clinton Foundation.

May 14, 2015: Exposure of Donations to Clinton Foundation

On May 14, 2015, after exposure of the donations by Politico, George Stephanopoulos apologized and admitted he should have disclosed the donations to ABC News and its viewers.

February 2016: Withdrawal from Moderating Debate

In February 2016, George Stephanopoulos agreed to drop out as a moderator of the scheduled Republican presidential primary debate due to concerns about bias and conflict of interest.

July 2019: Backlash Following Epstein's Arrest

Following Jeffrey Epstein's arrest in July 2019, the guest list of a 2010 dinner party at his home was reported online, with those attending receiving backlash. George Stephanopoulos denied being friends with Epstein, with the party being the only encounter.

March 19, 2024: Defamation Lawsuit Filed by Donald Trump

On March 19, 2024, Donald Trump filed a defamation lawsuit in Florida against ABC News and George Stephanopoulos for an undisclosed sum, triggered by Stephanopoulos' remarks on the March 10th airing of 'This Week' concerning the E. Jean Carroll case.

July 2024: Motion to Dismiss Denied

In July 2024, Judge Cecilia Altonaga denied a motion to dismiss the defamation suit brought by Donald Trump against George Stephanopoulos, asserting that the technical definition used in the New York case did not fully examine the jury's findings of "sexual abuse."

December 14, 2024: Lawsuit Settlement

On December 14, 2024, George Stephanopoulos and ABC News settled the defamation lawsuit with Donald Trump, agreeing to pay $15 million to Trump's presidential library as a charitable donation, $1 million for Trump's legal fees, and issuing a public apology for false statements made during a March 10 interview.