Paramount Settles $16M Lawsuit with Trump Over CBS Interview

Washington, Jul 2 (AP) In a noteworthy case that has posed questions regarding free speech, Paramount has consented to a USD 16 million settlement following a lawsuit from President Donald Trump over the editing of a CBS “60 Minutes” interview featuring then-Vice President Kamala Harris last October.

According to reports, Paramount has announced that the settlement funds will be allocated to Trump's prospective presidential library, rather than to Trump personally. It was also clarified that the settlement does not include an apology.

Trump's attorney claimed that the editing carried out by CBS News inflicted “mental anguish” on President Trump.

Both Paramount and CBS refuted Trump’s allegations that the final cut of the interview intentionally made Harris appear more favorable. They had initially pursued the dismissal of Trump’s litigation.

There has been no immediate response from the White House concerning the settlement.

The settlement, reached with the assistance of a mediator, includes a stipulation that “60 Minutes” will release future interview transcripts of presidential candidates. These transcripts will be subject to redactions necessary for legal and national security purposes, as reported by CBS News.

Trump had not agreed to partake in a “60 Minutes” interview during his campaign. He objected to the editing of Harris’ responses, where she provided two answers to a question from the show's Bill Whitaker that were aired in different segments on “60 Minutes” and “Face the Nation” earlier in the day. CBS explained that the responses were extracted from Harris’ detailed answers and were condensed for succinctness.

Trump's lawyer, Edward Andrew Paltzik, argued that this editing caused confusion and inflicted “mental anguish,” misleading voters and drawing their attention away from Trump and his Truth Social platform.

Paramount, along with controlling shareholder Shari Redstone, sought the settlement with Trump amid the backdrop of a proposed merger with Skydance Media that requires Trump's administration’s approval.

Opponents of this settlement, including CBS News President Wendy McMahon and “60 Minutes” executive producer Bill Owens, have recently resigned.

The Freedom of the Press Foundation, a media advocacy group claiming shareholder status in Paramount, has expressed intentions to file a lawsuit in protest if the settlement were to proceed. (AP)