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The legal ramifications of Stephanopoulos's statements cannot be overlooked. Media companies often involve their legal teams to preemptively advise on language, especially when dealing with sensitive topics. It appears ABC's legal department had indeed weighed in before the interview, reinforcing the notion that Stephanopoulos disregarded direct instructions. With the network's reputation at stake, the decision to settle may have been a strategic move to mitigate further damage to both their brand and their press protections.