In a surprising legal development, YouTube has agreed to pay $24.5 million (over 200) to settle a lawsuit brought by U.S. President Donald Trump over the suspension of his account after the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
The lawsuit was filed in July 2021, and it accused YouTube and its parent company Alphabet Inc. of violating Trump’s First Amendment rights and engaging in what he called “impermissible censorship” of conservative voices.
On January 12, 2021, YouTube suspended Trump’s channel, citing violations of its policies against inciting violence. What initially appeared to be a seven-day suspension was later extended indefinitely over fears of further unrest.
YouTube to pay more than 200 crores to Trump in a lawsuit
As part of the settlement, $22 million will be paid on Trump’s behalf to the Trust for the National Mall, a nonprofit managing the construction of a $200 million ballroom at the White House. Another $2.5 million will be shared among other plaintiffs in the case, including the American Conservative Union and author Naomi Wolf.
Notably, the settlement does not involve any admission of wrongdoing by YouTube. The company explained that the decision was made to sidestep the expenses and uncertainties of extended litigation.
