The trial of Dominion Voting Systems defamation lawsuit against Fox News was to start today. When the opening statements were delayed by several hours, I suspected there was a last minute settlement. And there was.
ABC News reported on its live blog coverage:
Dominion Voting Systems, in a $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit, accused Fox News of knowingly pushing false conspiracy theories that the voting machine company rigged the 2020 presidential election in Joe Biden’s favor, in what Dominion claims was an effort to combat concerns over declining ratings and viewer retention. Fox defended its coverage, dismissing the suit as a “political crusade in search of a financial windfall.”***A settlement has been reached in Dominion Voting Systems’ defamation lawsuit against Fox News, Judge Eric Davis has announced in the courtroom.”The parties have resolved their case,” the judge said.”We wish to express our deepest appreciation” to the court, a Dominion attorney told the judge.Davis commended both teams, saying, “I’ve been on the bench since 2010 … and I think this is the best lawyering I’ve had, ever.”Terms of the settlement were not disclosed before court was adjourned.A press conference was expected to follow.***”We are pleased to have reached a settlement of our dispute with Dominion Voting Systems,” Fox News officials said in a statement after an agreement had been reached. “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,” the statement said.***”Truth matters. Lies have consequences,” said Justin Nelson, an attorney for Dominion Voting Systems, as he announced details of the company’s settlement with Fox News during a press conference following the court’s adjournment.”Today’s settlement of $787,500,000 represents vindication and accountability,” Nelson said. “Today represents a ringing endorsement for truth and for democracy.”Dominion had sued Fox for $1.6 billion.The CEO of Dominion, John Poulos, called it an “historic settlement.””Throughout this process, we have sought accountability,” Poulos said. “Truthful reporting in the media is essential to democracy.”
The Judge granted summary judgment to Dominion that the statements about their systems being rigged were false. That wasn’t the issue in the trial, the issue was whether Fox News had a right to air the allegations on issues of public importance (and contrary opinions also were aired). Trump wanted them to keep fighting to prove the supposed fraud. Does anyone think they wouldn’t prove the fraud if it happened? This is a preview of the 2024 election if Trump is the nominee:
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