Newsmax to pay Dominion $67M in defamation case for spreading claims 2020 election was 'rigged'

BOCA RATON, FLORIDA: Newsmax will pay $67 million to settle a defamation lawsuit from Dominion Voting Systems over false claims about the 2020 election. 

Dominion accused the network of spreading conspiracy theories pushed by Trump allies, who claimed its voting machines were rigged to help Joe Biden win. The deal comes after Dominion’s $787 million settlement with Fox News over similar allegations.

Newsmax releases statement about $67M settlement

Newsmax released a statement confirming that it had settled with Dominion Voting Systems, saying, “The parties have mutually agreed to resolve the litigation for a total payment of $67 million.”

The network added that the amount would be paid in installments over three fiscal years, with payments expected to be covered by company revenue.

Dominion originally filed the lawsuit in 2021, seeking $1.6 billion in damages. The company alleged that Newsmax’s coverage of the 2020 presidential election included defamatory statements.

Throughout the case, Newsmax maintained its reporting was not defamatory and aligned with professional journalistic standards. In its statement, the company said, “Newsmax believed it was critically important for the American people to hear both sides of the election disputes that arose in 2020. We stand by our coverage as fair, balanced, and conducted within professional standards of journalism.”

What did CEO of Newsmax say?

Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy argued that the company would not have received a fair trial due to “a pattern of judicial rulings that consistently denied Newsmax due process.”

He criticized the Delaware court, saying, “Judge Davis effectively enforced a confiscation of our property because our reporting was not always sympathetic to Joe Biden.”

Newsmax went further, calling the legal actions against both itself and Fox News “a direct attack on free speech and a free press.”

The company warned that Judge Davis’ rulings not only impacted its rights but also posed a threat to broader constitutional freedoms, suggesting future implications for other media outlets and businesses.

“The judiciary's willingness to punish news organizations for reporting on matters of urgent national debate undermines the role of the press in a free society,” the statement read.

Newsmax questions the jurisdiction of the lawsuit

Newsmax also questioned the jurisdiction of the case, asserting it likely would not have faced legal action in Delaware had it not been incorporated there at the time.

As a result, the company urged other businesses to reconsider incorporating in Delaware, noting that it has since moved its incorporation to Florida.

“Businesses should re-domicile in jurisdictions that still believe in the rule of law and remain committed to protecting constitutional freedoms for all Americans,” the company said.

Despite its criticism of the Delaware proceedings, Newsmax said the $67 million settlement allows the company to move forward with “clarity and renewed focus.”

“With these matters resolved, Newsmax is positioned to continue its mission: delivering accurate reporting, fostering vigorous debate, and ensuring Americans have access to diverse viewpoints,” the company added.

It emphasized, “At a time when public trust in media is at historic lows, our commitment to balanced reporting, coverage of critical issues facing Americans, and open dialogue has never been more important.”

Internet reacts to Newsmax's decision to settle

The news of Newsmax settling the lawsuit for $67 million quickly went viral online.

One user commented, “No, they didn’t lie. Wait until the investigation results come back."

Another added, “Not true. The truth will come out and all of this will be overturned."

An X user wrote, “Newsmax is frail then. I’d fight it to the end."

Another stated, “A settlement does not create a truth."

One person argued, “That’s just crazy! They are trying so hard to convince people that the election wasn’t rigged. The American people know it wasn’t legitimate. The Democrats are the liars. The American people know they are liars. Perception is reality!!!"

Another disagreed, saying, “Your entire existence is a lie. 2020 was STOLEN and EVERYONE knows it! That’s OK, MAGA worked out better than anticipated and he will be even stronger after 4 years off to prepare! Check mate!"

A final user added, “A settlement proves nothing."

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