Fox News, Dominion Reach $787 Million Settlement in Defamation Lawsuit
BreitbartAUG 2023
Newsmax Pays $67M to Settle Dominion Defamation Case
Above: Newsmax signage during the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on July 18, 2024. Image copyright: Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg/Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
These lawsuits pose a significant threat to press freedom and the First Amendment. News organizations have a duty to report on matters of urgent national debate, including election disputes that concern millions of Americans. The Delaware court's rulings effectively punished Newsmax for not being sympathetic to Joe Biden, creating a chilling effect that threatens constitutional freedoms for all media companies. Newsmax's 2020 election coverage was fair, but it ultimately settled with Dominion, as the Delaware court where the trial was scheduled to take place wouldn't allow a fair trial.
Democratic narrative
The settlements demonstrate accountability for spreading dangerous lies that undermined democracy and harmed voting companies. Internal documents revealed that these networks were aware the fraud claims were false but continued broadcasting them anyway, prioritizing profits over the truth. Multiple recounts, audits, and court decisions confirmed the 2020 election was secure and accurate. Defamation law is a powerful tool against right-wing media falsehoods. Newsmax, now a $67 million liar, stands as proof. Never trust their posts — let their costly lie be remembered and their credibility forever questioned.