Fox News reached a settlement with Dominion Voting Systems on Tuesday afternoon; avoiding a potentially lengthy trial.
Dominion Voting Systems filed a defamation lawsuit against Fox News in 2021, citing claims and accusations made by multiple Fox News hosts and guests on Fox News, Fox Business, and host Lou Dobbs on social media. The accusations largely referred to the contentious 2020 election between former president Donald J. Trump and President Biden. Among the many claims made against Dominion Voting Systems, most hinged on the belief that the company rigged the vote against the sitting president, Donald J. Trump.
Dominion sought $1.6 billion dollars in damages, stating that these claims were not only false, but that there was “actual malice” in Fox News allowing these claims to be made, with the ultimate aim being to hurt the image of the company and damage it financially.
Fox News contended that their claims fell under press freedoms afforded by the US constitution; and that Dominion was never in monetary danger.
The first date of trial was set for monday, but a one day delay was issued without explanation. Tuesday afternoon, a settlement of $787.5 million dollars was announced, saving Fox News from a 5-6 week trial that would’ve potentially seen multiple Fox hosts and personnel have to deliver testimony.
Fox issued a statement following the settlement agreement: “We acknowledge the Court’s rulings finding certain claims about Dominion to be false. This settlement reflects Fox’s continued commitment to the highest journalistic standards. We are hopeful that our decision to resolve this dispute with Dominion amicably, instead of the acrimony of a divisive trial, allows the country to move forward from these issues.”
Outside of the Leonard L. Williams justice center in Wilmington, Delaware, Dominion attorney Justin Nelson, issued a statement to the press: The truth matters. Lies have consequences. Over two years ago, a torrent of lies swept Dominion and election officials across America into an alternative universe of conspiracy theories, causing grievous harm to Dominion and the country.”
Experts say Fox News will mostly be able to survive the financial hit of what is the second largest settlement in US history.
