Newsmax Settles Defamation Lawsuit with Dominion for $67 Million
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- Newsmax has agreed to pay $67 million to Dominion Voting Systems to settle a defamation lawsuit over false claims related to the 2020 US election.
- The settlement follows a Delaware court ruling that Newsmax defamed Dominion, with a trial initially set for October to determine damages.
- Newsmax maintains its coverage was fair, citing concerns over judicial bias as a reason for settling.
- Dominion previously secured a $787.5 million settlement from Fox News over similar false election claims.
- Payments from Newsmax to Dominion will be made in three installments, concluding in January 2027.
In a significant legal development, conservative media outlet Newsmax has agreed to a $67 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems, resolving a defamation lawsuit over false claims that the company rigged the 2020 US presidential election. The settlement was reached as the case was poised to go to trial in October.
Background of the Case
Dominion Voting Systems, a Denver-based company, filed the lawsuit in 2021, seeking $1.6 billion in damages. The company accused Newsmax of broadcasting "verifiably false lies" that alleged Dominion's voting machines were manipulated to favor President Joe Biden over former President Donald Trump. These claims contributed to widespread misinformation following the election.
Court Rulings and Settlement
Earlier this year, Delaware Superior Court Judge Eric Davis ruled that Newsmax had indeed defamed Dominion. However, the determination of whether Newsmax acted with malice and the amount of damages were left to a jury. Newsmax opted to settle, citing concerns over judicial bias and the fairness of the proceedings. The network stated, "From the very beginning, Judge Davis ruled in ways that strongly favored the plaintiffs."
Financial and Legal Implications
The settlement will be paid in three installments, with the first $27 million already disbursed. Subsequent payments are scheduled for January 2024 and January 2027. Newsmax's stock saw a 15% increase following the announcement. This settlement follows a similar case where Dominion secured a $787.5 million settlement from Fox News earlier this year.
Statements from the Parties
Despite the settlement, Newsmax maintains that its coverage of the 2020 election was fair and balanced, emphasizing the importance of presenting both sides of the election disputes. Dominion expressed satisfaction with the resolution, stating, "We are pleased to have settled this matter."
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The settlement between Newsmax and Dominion Voting Systems marks another chapter in the ongoing legal battles over false election claims. As similar lawsuits continue to unfold, media outlets may face increased scrutiny over their reporting practices, potentially leading to more settlements or trials. The financial impact of these settlements could influence how networks approach controversial topics in the future.
Legal experts suggest that these cases could set precedents for defamation lawsuits involving media companies, particularly concerning the dissemination of false information. As the political landscape evolves, the role of media in shaping public perception remains a critical area of focus, with potential implications for future elections and media accountability.
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Newsmax Settles Defamation Lawsuit with Dominion for $67 Million
In This Article
Ethan Brooks| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- Newsmax has agreed to pay $67 million to Dominion Voting Systems to settle a defamation lawsuit over false claims related to the 2020 US election.
- The settlement follows a Delaware court ruling that Newsmax defamed Dominion, with a trial initially set for October to determine damages.
- Newsmax maintains its coverage was fair, citing concerns over judicial bias as a reason for settling.
- Dominion previously secured a $787.5 million settlement from Fox News over similar false election claims.
- Payments from Newsmax to Dominion will be made in three installments, concluding in January 2027.
In a significant legal development, conservative media outlet Newsmax has agreed to a $67 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems, resolving a defamation lawsuit over false claims that the company rigged the 2020 US presidential election. The settlement was reached as the case was poised to go to trial in October.
Background of the Case
Dominion Voting Systems, a Denver-based company, filed the lawsuit in 2021, seeking $1.6 billion in damages. The company accused Newsmax of broadcasting "verifiably false lies" that alleged Dominion's voting machines were manipulated to favor President Joe Biden over former President Donald Trump. These claims contributed to widespread misinformation following the election.
Court Rulings and Settlement
Earlier this year, Delaware Superior Court Judge Eric Davis ruled that Newsmax had indeed defamed Dominion. However, the determination of whether Newsmax acted with malice and the amount of damages were left to a jury. Newsmax opted to settle, citing concerns over judicial bias and the fairness of the proceedings. The network stated, "From the very beginning, Judge Davis ruled in ways that strongly favored the plaintiffs."
Financial and Legal Implications
The settlement will be paid in three installments, with the first $27 million already disbursed. Subsequent payments are scheduled for January 2024 and January 2027. Newsmax's stock saw a 15% increase following the announcement. This settlement follows a similar case where Dominion secured a $787.5 million settlement from Fox News earlier this year.
Statements from the Parties
Despite the settlement, Newsmax maintains that its coverage of the 2020 election was fair and balanced, emphasizing the importance of presenting both sides of the election disputes. Dominion expressed satisfaction with the resolution, stating, "We are pleased to have settled this matter."
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The settlement between Newsmax and Dominion Voting Systems marks another chapter in the ongoing legal battles over false election claims. As similar lawsuits continue to unfold, media outlets may face increased scrutiny over their reporting practices, potentially leading to more settlements or trials. The financial impact of these settlements could influence how networks approach controversial topics in the future.
Legal experts suggest that these cases could set precedents for defamation lawsuits involving media companies, particularly concerning the dissemination of false information. As the political landscape evolves, the role of media in shaping public perception remains a critical area of focus, with potential implications for future elections and media accountability.
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