After the US presidential elections of 2020, there were many conspiracy theories and disinformation campaigns circulated which claimed that the technology from companies such as Smartmatic and Dominion Voting Systems was used in rigging the vote, which is something that so many people believe, and that was a big point in this recent 2024 election as well. As per the other side aka the left-leaning media platforms, even though these claims had no factual basis, they managed to capture the attention of several people.
They go on to say that Smartmatic, a company whose voting machines were used exclusively in Los Angeles County during the election soon found itself involved in the false accusations. Not just that though, Smartmatic then opted to take this issue to court by launching a defamation lawsuit against Fox News and several other right-wing media personalities. So, let’s just go over this case, and see what is up with the Smartmatic Fox Lawsuit Update.
Key Players in the Lawsuit
Well, first of all, starting with Fox News, the most-watched conservative network, it has gotten Smartmatic’s lawsuit thrown against some big players. As per the claims, well, Smartmatic says that Fox News provided a platform for baseless accusations that involved the company in election fraud when the company had only a small part in the election. And sure, the case also includes outlets like Newsmax and OANN that aired similar accusations. Not just that, there are some famous people, such as Rudy Giuliani, Sidney Powell, and Mike Lindell, best known for propagating these ideas, who are also sued by Smartmatic for defamation on different accounts for their part in the spread of misinformation, just saying.
Timeline of the Legal Proceedings
If you really have been keeping up with the headlines, well, early 2021 saw the beginning of the legal process when Smartmatic filed defamation lawsuits against Fox News, demanding damages in the amount of $2.7 billion. Smartmatic claimed that the incorrect statements seriously tarnished its image and impaired its business operations. Later, the courts ruled that some of the allegations set by Smartmatic were allowed to move on while others were dismissed or faced appeals, you know?
Not just that though, a few years later, Newsmax decided to settle and this was just before the defamation case was about to go to trial. And sure, Newsmax has agreed to the settlement stating it was part of their desire to avert a prolonged trial even though the terms are still confidential. Fox News, on the other hand, is not off the hook yet, and if no settlement is reached, it is possible that the case will be heard in court shortly.
Why Target Fox News?
Well, as per the details of this case, you see, Smartmatic’s accusations against Fox News are clear-cut. What’s that? Well, the company claims that Fox has, in fact, deliberately aired false stories citing Smartmatic’s technology to be a scam of an election fraud conspiracy. And sure, Smartmatic, by pointing out the fact that these groundless statements had detrimental effects on their business and public image, is asking for a $2.7 billion reparative award. On the other hand, Fox News’ defence motion with respect to the lawsuit reiterates its argument that its coverage was only in reporting the claims made by others, and thus it is within the First Amendment to the Constitution.
Sure, many left-leaning media outlets have used the same argument to avoid any legal tangle because they just say that it is within the First Amendment to the Constitution and they weren’t presenting things as facts, and the same Fox News did here. Yet, the courts have throughout been supporting Smartmatic, thus the case still stands.
