Newsmax Agrees to Pay $67M in Urgent Defamation Settlement

UPDATE: The conservative network Newsmax has just announced it will pay $67 million to settle a defamation lawsuit brought by Dominion Voting Systems, accusing the network of spreading false claims regarding the 2020 presidential election. This settlement was revealed in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on October 30, 2023, just before the trial was set to begin.

Judge Eric Davis of the Delaware Superior Court previously ruled that Newsmax had indeed defamed Dominion by airing baseless accusations against the voting equipment company. However, he left it to a jury to determine whether those actions were malicious, and if so, the appropriate damages. The settlement will prevent a trial that could have further exposed internal communications showing that Newsmax officials were aware the claims were unfounded.

This settlement follows a similar high-profile case where Fox News paid a staggering $787.5 million to settle allegations from Dominion earlier this year. Newsmax had already faced scrutiny, having settled a libel lawsuit with another voting machine manufacturer, Smartmatic, for approximately $40 million.

Dominion’s spokesperson expressed relief at the resolution, highlighting the importance of accountability in the media. The urgency of this settlement is underscored by ongoing political tensions, as former President Donald Trump continues to promote false narratives about the election. In a social media post earlier today, Trump reiterated his desire to eliminate mail-in ballots and voting machines, despite lacking a clear plan for achieving this.

The revelations from Newsmax’s internal communications, which surfaced during this case, show a troubling willingness to cater to viewers who believed Trump had won the election. One host expressed concerns about continuing to promote unfounded election fraud claims just days after the election was called for Biden. This creates a stark picture of the intersection between media interests and political agendas during a critical time in American democracy.

As the landscape of misinformation continues to evolve, the implications of this settlement resonate beyond just the financial figures. It raises questions about the responsibility of news organizations to report factually and the consequences of failing to do so. The ripple effects of this case are significant, especially as the country prepares for upcoming elections.

This developing story highlights the urgent need for accountability in media practices, especially in an era marked by rampant misinformation. As more details emerge, observers will be watching closely to see how this settlement influences future reporting and the ongoing narrative surrounding the 2020 election.

Stay tuned for more updates on this critical issue as it unfolds.