“`html
Paramount Global, the U.S. media conglomerate, has reached a $16 million (£13.5m) settlement in a legal dispute with former U.S. President Donald Trump concerning a CBS broadcast interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris.
Trump initiated legal proceedings last October, alleging that CBS, a Paramount subsidiary, deceptively edited an interview with his presidential election rival, Kamala Harris, on its “60 Minutes” news program, with the intention of influencing the election outcome “in favor of the Democratic party.”
Paramount has stated that the settlement funds will be allocated to Trump’s future presidential library, explicitly stipulating that the payment will not be made to him “directly or indirectly.”
The company also clarified that the settlement does not include any statement of apology or regret.
A spokesperson for Trump’s legal team swiftly characterized the settlement as a “win for the American people” against the “fake news media.”
“CBS and Paramount Global recognized the strength of this historic case and had no choice but to settle,” the spokesperson added. “President Trump will always ensure that no one gets away with lying to the American people.”
CBS had previously defended the broadcast, asserting that the case was “completely without merit” and requesting its dismissal by a judge.
The settlement represents the latest instance of a U.S. media organization making concessions to the former president, who has frequently criticized outlets for what he deems false or misleading reporting.
According to the lawsuit filed in a Texas federal court, CBS aired two distinct versions of the Harris interview, wherein she appeared to offer differing responses to the same query regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Interviewer Bill Whitaker questioned the Democratic nominee about the Biden administration’s relationship with Israel. The lawsuit alleges that the network subsequently broadcast two different versions of her answer.
One clip was aired on “Face the Nation,” while the other appeared on “60 Minutes.” Trump alleged that Harris’s response was deceptively edited in one version to shield her from potential criticism.
CBS maintained that it edited Harris’s answer for time constraints, consistent with standard television news practices.
Trump’s initial lawsuit sought $10 billion (£8.5bn) in damages, a figure later increased to $20 billion ($17bn).
In May, Paramount offered $15 million (£12.7m) to settle the suit, but Trump sought a payment exceeding $25 million (£21m).
In a statement released on Tuesday, Paramount confirmed that the settlement fee included the former president’s legal costs and stipulated that “60 Minutes” will release transcripts of interviews with future presidential candidates.
According to reports in both the Wall Street Journal and New York Times, the settlement was reached – with the assistance of a mediator – to avoid any potential disruption to Paramount’s planned merger with Skydance Media. The merger is currently under review by the Federal Communications Commission, giving Trump the technical capacity to impede it.
During the month-long settlement negotiations, several CBS News executives, including chief executive Wendy McMahon, reportedly departed from their positions, citing their reluctance to issue an apology to Trump.
Concerns were also raised regarding the potential perception of the settlement payment as a bribe to a public official.
A spokesman for Trump’s legal team stated that the settlement was “another win for the American people as he, once again, holds the Fake News media accountable for their wrongdoing and deceit.”
He added that CBS and Paramount “realised the strength of this historic case.”
CBS has stated that the broadcast was “not doctored or deceitful.”
The Paramount settlement follows a recent decision by Walt Disney-owned ABC News to settle a defamation case also brought by Trump.
Potential rebels in the president’s party have a range of concerns about the bill, from welfare cuts to national debt.
As the US agency officially winds down foreign aid operations, former presidents hit out at Donald Trump.
Administration officials say the new facility will speed up deportations, but local politicians and environmental groups have raised concerns.
The president has said he views the legislation as an integral part of his political legacy.
The US president touted the new immigration detention centre located deep in the Florida Everglades.
“`