A last-minute settlement has been announced in the defamation lawsuit filed by Dominion Voting Systems against Fox News, effectively concluding the high-profile case just as it was set to begin in a Delaware courtroom.
This resolution is significant as it prevents Fox News personnel from having to testify about their controversial coverage related to the 2020 election, which included numerous false claims regarding voter fraud.
Key Developments
- Delaware Superior Court Judge Eric Davis confirmed the settlement on Tuesday, noting its importance and dismissing the jury.
- The agreement was reached shortly before the trial’s opening statements were scheduled to occur.
- The lawsuit sought $1.6 billion in damages, a figure Fox News contended was exaggerated.
- Fox News maintains that it did not defame Dominion and views the lawsuit as an infringement on press freedoms.
- While the Dominion case has concluded, Fox News continues to face a separate defamation lawsuit from Smartmatic, which is still in the discovery phase.
Full Report
The announcement of the settlement came from Judge Eric Davis during a court session, emphasizing the crucial role of the jurors in helping to resolve the matter. The case was poised for opening statements when an unexplained delay fueled speculation of an impending agreement.
By opting to settle, Fox News executives and well-known personalities will avoid the scrutiny of testifying regarding their election coverage, which has drawn significant criticism for promoting false narratives around voter fraud.
Dominion originally pursued $1.6 billion in damages, arguing that Fox’s claims had a detrimental impact on its reputation and business. In response, Fox News characterized the damage claims as inflated, suggesting they did not accurately reflect the company’s potential losses resulting from the network’s broadcasts.
In their defense, Fox News and its parent company, Fox Corporation, asserted that they had not defamed Dominion and described the lawsuit as an unwarranted attack on freedom of the press. They denied accusations that they chose to air election conspiracy theories to boost flagging ratings post-election.
As the Dominion case wraps up, attention will remain focused on Fox News, which faces ongoing legal challenges, including a pending defamation lawsuit from Smartmatic, another voting technology company adversely affected by Fox’s reporting after the 2020 election.
Context & Previous Events
The lawsuit represented a significant legal confrontation following the fallout of the 2020 presidential election, during which Fox News faced allegations of disseminating false information. The case’s resolution means critical details about the network’s internal discussions regarding its election coverage may never become public, as the terms of the settlement are currently undisclosed.
