WILMINGTON, Del. — Fox Corp. and its cable networks agreed Tuesday to pay $787.5 million to Dominion Voting Systems to settle a defamation lawsuit over false claims that Dominion’s machines swayed the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.
The settlement, which came after a 12-member jury had been seated in the case in Delaware Superior Court, averted a weekslong trial that could have seen top Fox TV hosts and network boss Rupert Murdoch publicly testify.
The deal, which will cost Fox nearly half of the $1.6 billion that Dominion originally demanded, was struck as opening arguments were delayed for hours amid speculation that the parties were discussing a resolution of the case.
Dominion CEO John Poulos, joined by members of the Dominion Voting Systems legal team, speaks to members of the media outside the Leonard Williams Justice Center in Wilmington, Delaware, on April 18, 2023.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds | AFP | Getty Images
Dominion CEO John Poulos told reporters outside court that the settlement was “historic.”
“Fox has admitted to telling lies about Dominion that caused enormous damage to my company, our employees and the customers that we serve,” Poulus said.
“Nothing can ever make up for that. Throughout this process we have sought accountability and believed the evidence brought to light through this case underscored the consequences of spreading lies. Truthful reporting in the media is essential to our democracy,” he said.
Superior Court Judge Eric Davis called the jury and 12 alternate jurors into the courtroom shortly before 4 p.m. ET to announce that they would not have to hear any testimony or review any evidence.
“The parties have resolved this case,” Davis told them.
“Without you, the parties would not have been able to resolve their situation … although it’s short, not the six weeks you’ve expected, you have done your duty,” the judge said.
Justin Nelson (2R), joined by fellow members of the Dominion Voting Systems legal team, depart the Leonard…
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