Status: 19.04.2023 00:22
Fox News and voting computer manufacturer Dominion have settled out of court shortly before a defamation lawsuit. The broadcaster had linked the company to electoral fraud. For Fox News, it’s an expensive comparison.
Surprise shortly before the opening speeches in the US state of Delaware: the news broadcaster Fox News has agreed on a settlement with the voting computer manufacturer Dominion. There will no longer be a defamation process.
Fox News has agreed to pay $787.5 million, Dominion attorney Justin Nelson said. The settlement has yet to be confirmed by a court. Denver-based Dominion Voting Systems wanted to hold Fox accountable for knowingly disseminating false claims of fraud related to the 2020 US presidential election.
In the weeks leading up to the presidential election, allies of then-President Donald Trump had claimed on Fox News that Dominion’s voting computers were programmed to take votes away from the Republican incumbent and favor Democratic challenger Joe Biden.
“Lies have consequences”
“The truth is important. Lies have consequences,” said attorney Nelson outside the Wilmington courthouse. The comparison will ensure “rehabilitation and accountability”. Dominion boss John Poulos spoke of a “historic agreement”.
His company had accused the broadcaster of having spread the false claim that Dominion voting machines had been used for manipulation – even though Fox News officials and moderators knew full well that the allegations were unfounded.
After the comparison with Fox News, the Dominion team informed members of the media and onlookers.
Image: AP
Fox News “satisfied”
In a statement, Fox News said it was “satisfied” with the settlement reached. The broadcaster, part of billionaire Rupert Murdoch’s media empire, acknowledged that “some claims about Dominion were wrong”. The comparison reflects Fox News’ commitment to the “highest standards of journalism.”
The broadcaster had argued that it only reported on the allegations from the Trump camp without adopting the statements. The broadcaster referred to the first US constitutional amendment, which protects freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
Comparison after the lunch break
The agreement in the civil process was reached at the last minute, so to speak. The jury was sworn in that morning, but after the lunch break the start of the trial was delayed by around two and a half hours without a reason being given. Then Judge Eric Davis surprisingly announced the agreement. The lawsuit totaled $1.6 billion.
Fox News pays $787.5 million for 2020 election fake news
Arne Bartram, ARD Washington, April 19, 2023 12:10 a.m