Disney decided to renew ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos’ contract — despite having to fork over a $16 million legal settlement — because they didn’t want “his blood on their hands,” The Post has learned.
Stephanopoulos, who hosts “This Week” and is a co-anchor on “Good Morning America,” was handed a multi-year deal — though he took a pay cut from his lofty $20 million annual salary, sources said.
“No one wants a talent mess on their hands,” one longtime network executive told The Post. “No one wants an angry George Stephanopoulos loose in the world. No one wants to humiliate George by firing him or to have his blood on their hands.”
“George is well-liked by the liberal-elite in Hollywood and The Hamptons. He’s friends with Jerry Seinfeld, Michael J Fox and Netflix boss Ted Sarandos,” the source said, adding that he operates in the same “bubble” as left-leaning Disney top brass.
“George has carefully cultivated a relationship with [Disney CEO] Bob Iger and board members. He remains a respected member of the Disney family.”
But inside the halls of ABC News, staffers remain “livid” over Iger’s decision to stand by Stephanopoulos and cave to Trump.
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