Fox News has reached a settlement with Dominion Voting Systems, agreeing to pay over $787 million to conclude a significant two-year defamation lawsuit. This settlement marks the largest known defamation payout involving a media organization in the United States.
The agreement was finalized just as the trial was about to begin in Delaware Superior Court. After the jury was sworn in, proceedings paused for nearly three hours, during which the settlement was negotiated. Judge Eric Davis announced the resolution, dismissing the jury and commending the legal teams for their efforts.
Dominion's attorney, Justin Nelson, described the settlement as a triumph for truth and democracy, emphasizing the importance of a shared commitment to facts for the future of democratic governance. Fox News acknowledged the court's findings that certain claims about Dominion were false but will not have to admit on-air to spreading misinformation.
Dominion initially sought $1.6 billion, but the settlement amount is still substantial, being nearly ten times the company's 2018 valuation and eight times its 2021 revenue. The settlement prevents the case from going to trial, sparing Fox News executives and hosts from testifying about their election coverage.
Key figures such as Rupert Murdoch, Lachlan Murdoch, Sean Hannity, and Tucker Carlson were on the witness list. Internal communications revealed during the case showed that many at Fox privately dismissed the vote-rigging claims as absurd, yet they were broadcasted to the public.
Fox News issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to journalistic standards and expressing hope that resolving the dispute amicably would help the nation move forward. Despite the settlement, Fox maintains it did not defame Dominion and views the case as an attack on press freedom.
Speculation about a settlement intensified after a one-day trial delay. Jury selection was completed, and both sides prepared for opening statements, but the unexpected pause after lunch suggested a deal was imminent.
Judge Davis thanked the jury, noting their presence was crucial in reaching a settlement. Dominion representatives hailed the outcome as a victory for democracy, with CEO John Poulos stating that Fox's falsehoods caused significant harm to the company and its stakeholders.
Although this case is settled, Fox News faces another defamation lawsuit from Smartmatic, another voting technology firm. Dominion also has ongoing lawsuits against other media outlets and Trump allies, all of whom deny any wrongdoing.