Fox News Settles Landmark Defamation Suit with Dominion Voting Systems
In a dramatic, last-minute resolution, Fox News agreed to a historic $787.5 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems, averting a high-stakes defamation trial just as opening statements were set to begin. The agreement was finalized mere minutes before its public announcement, concluding a legal battle over the network’s coverage of false election fraud claims following the 2020 presidential election.
A Courtroom Drama and a Conclusive Ruling on Falsity
The settlement was announced hours after a jury was sworn in at Delaware Superior Court. Proceedings ground to a halt for nearly three hours after a lunch recess, fueling speculation that a deal was being negotiated. Dominion’s co-lead counsel, Justin Nelson, revealed that attorneys were preparing opening statements during the delay, fully expecting to proceed to trial. The final papers were signed just before the accord was revealed.
The settlement followed a pivotal pretrial ruling by Judge Eric Davis on March 31. The judge ruled that Dominion had conclusively proven that all 20 statements cited in its lawsuit against Fox were false, stating the evidence was “CRYSTAL clear” that the claims about Dominion were untrue. This ruling addressed the core element of falsity required in a defamation case, which also requires proving “actual malice,” or reckless disregard for the truth.
Accountability and the Impact of Revealed Evidence
Dominion’s legal team stated their goals were accountability and making the company whole. The substantial financial payment and a statement from Fox acknowledging the falsity of its coverage were hailed as a significant victory. “This is really the first time that anyone has paid a price for telling the lies of the 2020 election,” Nelson said. He emphasized that the internal Fox texts and emails revealed during litigation were particularly valuable, shedding light on the network’s internal knowledge. While the settlement does not force on-air apologies, it represents a consequential outcome for the network regarding its some on-air claims.
As the dust settles on this case, Dominion still has pending lawsuits against other prominent election deniers. This settlement, however, sets a powerful precedent for accountability in media. In unrelated news, the entertainment world watches as Jamie Foxx remains on the mend after a health scare, while a community mourns as a 13-year-old dies after a tragic accident, reminding us of the diverse and impactful stories unfolding daily.