Disney's decision to settle a defamation lawsuit filed by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump against ABC News has sparked strong opposition within the company, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Many rank-and-file reporters and producers at ABC News were very frustrated with the company's decision to settle the lawsuit.

Disney Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger approved the settlement, which was proposed by Disney General Counsel Horacio Gutierrez, according to people familiar with the matter.

Disney concluded that the company faced an uphill court battle in Florida, and that losing the case would ultimately be costly not only to the company, but also to press freedom.

Several ABC News staffers said it was a worrisome precedent for a media company, and they were concerned that the settlement sent a message that Disney was putting the company's interests and its relationship with the White House ahead of the interests of its own journalists.