Exclusive | George Stephanopoulos is miserable at GMA after Trump apology and speculation heats up over who could fill his anchor chair if he exits
“GMA” host George Stephanopoulos has been “miserable” after being forced to apologize following the President Trump fiasco — and staffers are already speculating about who might replace him, The Post has learnedStephanopoulos has been rumored to be on his way out, according to multiple network sources, since ABC News parent Disney agreed to settle a defamation suit in December over the anchor insisting on-air that Trump was “found liable for rape” — instead of sexual abuse — in a lawsuit by journalist E.Jean Carroll.As part of Disney’s deal with Trump, the former Democratic operative — who co-hosts “GMA” with Roberts and Michael Strahan — was forced to issue an apology.The whole episode has turned out to be “emasculating” for the “This Week” host, who has isolated himself even more than usual since the settlement, a source with knowledge told The Post.“George seems miserable,” the source said, musing that the network could wait to pull the plug on him this summer when things are “dead” or later in the year.“He’s definitely gone,” the insider predicted.
“He’s a dead man walking for sure.”Multiple sources added that he could remain at the network in a lower profile way, possibly working on film and TV projects.But another source close to the network shot down talk that Stephanopoulos is miserable at “GMA.” “This is nonsense, anyone watching ‘GMA’ can see he’s engaged, all-in, and as committed as ever.” the source said, adding, “He’s happy to be here.”A rep for Stephanopoulos did not comment.The network is currently shelling out around $75 million annually for Roberts, Strahan and Stephanopoulos, a massive sum considering TV audiences are shrinking and the importance of morning shows has waned.Roberts could flex her significant influence at the network should an anchor seat open up.She is expected to push good pal and “GMA” weekend anchor Gio Benitez for the role, multiple sources who wo...