News

Settlement reached in BPI-ABC lawsuit

ABC and Beef Products Incorporated (BPI) have reached a settlement in the defamation lawsuit involving the network’s news reports on BPI’s lean, finely textured beef product.

Terms of the settlement have not been disclosed.

BPI had sued ABC for nearly two billion dollars over reports that originally aired in 2012 in which ABC constantly referred to the product as “pink slime”. BPI contended the coverage severely hurt its business.

In a statement ABC indicated that it stood by its reporting, but concluded continued litigation of the case was “not in the company’s interest”. BPI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The trial began on June 5th in Elk Point, South Dakota. It was settled before ABC began its defense.