Global Courant 2023-04-19 01:03:22
Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
Fox news waved the white flag on Tuesday and dealt with Dominion Voting Systems just hours after the first day of the bomb test on whether the conservative cable giant has committed “actual malice” by spreading election fraud about the voting software company.
In a press conference shortly after the trial was dropped, lawyers for Dominion Voting Systems said they settled for $787 million — about half of what they originally asked for.
“We are pleased to have reached a settlement of our dispute with Dominion Voting Systems. We recognize the Court’s rulings finding that certain claims about Dominion are false,” Fox said in a statement.
“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, rather than the bitterness of a divisive process, will enable the country to move forward.”
Dominion’s lawyers arrive Tuesday for jury selection.
EDUARDO MUNOZ/Reuters
Delaware Supreme Court Justice Eric Davis first announced to jurors Tuesday afternoon that the parties had “resolved the matter.” He praised both parties and noted that in his 13 years on the bench he had never seen such quality work from lawyers.
“The quality of the briefing, the lawyers ability to answer questions, the amount of work you put into the case – and I just want to say that I would be proud to be your judge in the future,” Davis said. .
Rumors of a settlement between the two sides began circulating on the eve of the trial after Davis announced that the start of the proceedings would be delayed by a day. The Wall Street Journalowned by Fox News founder Rupert Murdoch, reported Sunday that the network made a belated attempt to settle with Dominion.
In a legal filing on Sunday, Fox News’ lawyers also disputed the damages it would pay if found liable by a jury in the $1.6 billion lawsuit, stating that Dominion recently filed its claims for alleged loss of profits from in total more than $600 million. However, Dominion disputed the network’s characterization of its position, stating that the “claim for damages remains” and that the network was well aware that “our damages exceed $1.6 billion.”
Story continues
“This doesn’t seem unusual to me,” Davis said Monday morning, delaying the start of the trial. “I will continue the matter until tomorrow.”
REVEALED: Fox Stars Think Trumpworld Numbers Are Just As ‘Insane’ As You Are
The lawsuit came about after several Fox News segments promoted the idea that Dominion voting machines were being used to rig the 2020 election in favor of the Democrats. That and numerous conspiracies, including Dominion being controlled by Venezuela, led the company to sue Fox in March 2021 for $1.6 billion in damages.
The case was dragged into court through years of procedural motions before exploding in February, when numerous texts, statements, and statements provided an unprecedented look at Fox News’ activities during the election period.
The lyrics feature Fox stars like Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity, along with several producers, labeling Donald Trump acolytes like Sidney Powell and Mike Lindell as “dangerous as hell” and “on the mad train with no brakes.”
Get the Daily Beast’s biggest scoops and scandals straight to your inbox. Sign up now.
Stay informed and get unlimited access to the Daily Beast’s unparalleled reporting. Subscribe now.
