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 currently co-anchors Good Morning America and hosts This Week, ABC's Sunday morning current events news program, solidifying his presence in both news and morning television.

Sections (4)

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

February 25, 1994: Conference Call Regarding Resolution Trust Corporation

On February 25, 1994, 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: Report on Real Estate Deal

In 1994, Jack Anderson reported that Stephanopoulos signed an $835,000 commercial real estate deal with a below-market loan rate from a bank owned by Hugh McColl. Questions were raised about whether Stephanopoulos's position influenced the loan approval.

1994: Discrediting Paula Jones Allegations

In 1994, following Paula Jones's accusations of sexual harassment against Bill Clinton, Stephanopoulos and James Carville sought to discredit her allegations. Stephanopoulos also worked to prevent Jones's news conference from being televised.

1995: Car Accident and Arrest

In 1995, Stephanopoulos was arrested after his car collided with a parked vehicle in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. He was charged with leaving the scene of an accident and driving with an expired license and license plates, though the former charge was later dropped.

1999: Defamation Lawsuit by Gennifer Flowers

In 1999, Stephanopoulos and James Carville were sued for defamation by Gennifer Flowers over comments made about her allegations of an affair with Bill Clinton. Stephanopoulos dismissed her story as "tabloid trash", "garbage", and "crap", but the suit was eventually dismissed.

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

On April 16, 2008, Stephanopoulos co-moderated a Democratic Party presidential debate between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. The moderators were criticized for focusing on campaign controversies rather than key issues.

2010: Attendance at Dinner Party Hosted by Jeffrey Epstein

In 2010, Stephanopoulos attended a dinner party at the home of Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Following Epstein's arrest in July 2019, the guest list was reported online, and Stephanopoulos received backlash, stating that the dinner party was his only encounter with Epstein.

2012: Donation to Clinton Foundation

In 2012, Stephanopoulos donated $25,000 to the Clinton Foundation, one of three such donations.

2013: Donation to Clinton Foundation

In 2013, Stephanopoulos donated $25,000 to the Clinton Foundation, one of three such donations.

2014: Donation to Clinton Foundation

In 2014, Stephanopoulos donated $25,000 to the Clinton Foundation, one of three such donations.

April 26, 2015: Interview with Peter Schweizer

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

May 14, 2015: Exposure of Donations to Clinton Foundation

On May 14, 2015, Politico exposed Stephanopoulos's donations to the Clinton Foundation, leading to an apology and admission that he should have disclosed the donations.

February 2016: Withdrawal from Moderating Republican Debate

In February 2016, Stephanopoulos withdrew from moderating a Republican presidential primary debate due to concerns about bias and conflict of interest arising from his donations to the Clinton Foundation.

July 2019: Backlash from Attending Epstein Dinner Party

In July 2019, following Jeffrey Epstein's arrest, Stephanopoulos received backlash for attending a dinner party at Epstein's home in 2010.

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 Stephanopoulos over a March 10 airing of "This Week", arguing that Stephanopoulos harmed Trump's reputation by claiming he was found liable for raping E. Jean Carroll.

July 2024: Judge Denies Motion to Dismiss Defamation Lawsuit

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

December 14, 2024: Settlement of Defamation Lawsuit

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