Paramount has agreed to settle former U.S. President Donald Trump’s lawsuit over a 60 Minutes interview, opting to pay $16 million014funds earmarked for Trump’s future presidential library rather than to him directly. The deal, announced Wednesday, marks the latest concession by a mainstream outlet to a president known for targeting perceived unfavorable coverage.
Trump originally sued CBS parent company in October, demanding $10 billion after alleging that the network deceptively edited a 2023 60 Minutes segment with then-VP and 2024 candidate Kamala Harris to favor the Democratic Party. He later amended the suit, upping the damages claim to $20 billion under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act.
Under the settlement, Paramount does not admit fault or offer an apology but has committed to providing transcripts of any future interviews with U.S. presidential candidates once they air014redacting only what is required for legal or national security reasons. Paramount said the settlement does not include any apology or statement of regret.
The case, which entered mediation in April, arrives as Paramount prepares for an $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media pending FCC approval. It follows similar agreements: Walt Disney’s ABC News paid $15 million to Trump’s library and apologized for a defamation claim, while Meta Platforms settled a $25 million suit over Trump’s social media suspensions.
Experts warn that such legal strategies could challenge traditional press protections, potentially reshaping how major outlets navigate election coverage. As Trump signals plans for more lawsuits against media organizations, this landmark settlement underscores the rising tension between newsrooms and the political figures they cover.
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Paramount settles lawsuit with Trump over '60 Minutes' interview
cgtn.com
