Fox News Settles Landmark Defamation Case with Dominion Voting Systems for $787.5 Million
In a surprising turn of events, Fox News has settled its legal dispute with Dominion Voting Systems for over $787 million, just hours before a highly anticipated trial was set to commence. This landmark settlement not only marks the largest known defamation payout involving a media entity in U.S. history but also has significant implications for the network’s credibility following its controversial reporting on the 2020 presidential election.
Why It Matters
This settlement comes at a pivotal moment for the media landscape, marking a critical response to issues of misinformation and the power of media companies. By resolving the case, Fox News aims to mitigate further damage to its reputation and avoid exposing executives and personalities to damaging testimonies regarding false claims about Dominion, which have loomed over the network since the election.
Key Developments
- Fox News has agreed to pay Dominion $787.5 million, the largest defamation settlement ever involving a media company.
- The settlement was announced shortly after jury selection had been finalized at Delaware Superior Court.
- Judge Eric Davis credited the jury’s presence for facilitating the settlement, highlighting its importance in resolving the dispute.
- Dominion’s legal team described the settlement as a significant victory for truth and accountability, reflecting broader concerns about democratic integrity.
- Fox News acknowledged the court’s rulings that deemed certain claims about Dominion as false, although it will not make an on-air admission regarding these statements.
- The settlement deprives Dominion of a trial that might have further exposed Fox News to scrutiny over its reporting practices.
Full Report
Decision to Settle
The settlement was reached just hours before the Delaware court was set to begin the trial, which had attracted widespread attention. Initially, Dominion sought $1.6 billion in damages, but ultimately accepted a payout that is nearly ten times its valuation from 2018. The terms prevent Fox from needing to admit to the on-air dissemination of false information about Dominion, despite acknowledging the court’s determinations.
Judge’s Remarks
Judge Eric Davis dismissed the jury after announcing the resolution, commending both legal teams for their efforts. He noted that the jurors were instrumental in spurring the parties toward a settlement, thereby ensuring a resolution without proceeding to trial.
Implications for Media Credibility
Dominion’s attorney, Justin Nelson, framed the settlement as a testament to the significance of truth in democracy. The response from Dominion’s CEO, John Poulos, underscored the adverse effects that Fox’s false claims had on their company and employees. Meanwhile, Fox’s official statement suggested the resolution was a commitment to “highest journalistic standards” and noted their intent to foster a more unified national dialogue post-settlement.
Upcoming Legal Challenges
While the Dominion case has been definitively settled, Fox News is bracing for another defamation lawsuit from Smartmatic, another voting technology firm similarly affected by false narratives surrounding the 2020 election. That litigation remains in its early discovery stages, with no trial date yet set. Dominion also has ongoing lawsuits against other right-wing media entities and individuals connected to the spread of election misinformation.
Context & Previous Events
This resolution comes after a lengthy legal battle that began in the wake of the 2020 presidential election, where Fox News was accused of perpetuating falsehoods regarding Dominion’s role in alleged electoral fraud. Damaging internal communications disclosed during the legal proceedings highlighted misgivings among Fox executives and on-air talent about the accuracy of the claims being made, contrasting sharply with the narratives they presented to viewers.
