Dominion Voting Systems is set to begin a high-stakes defamation trial against Fox News on Tuesday, with the start of jury selection and opening statements postponed until then. The trial will focus on whether Fox News defamed the company when it broadcast claims that the electronic voting company helped orchestrate a campaign to rig the election against Trump.
Fox argues that the claims involving Dominion were newsworthy given who made the statements, when they were made, and what they concerned, and that the broadcasts are protected by the First Amendment. However, Judge William Horkins has said it is "oxymoronic" to call these challenged 20 statements opinions while also asserting they're newsworthy allegations.
The six-week tribunal in Wilmington, Delaware aims to hold both Fox News anchors—including Tucker Carlson, Sean Hannity, Maria Bartiromo—and its parent company Fox Corporation accountable for knowingly spreading false claims about Dominion's equipment after the 2020 election. Throughout this high-profile case, testimonies from prominent figures such as Jeanine Pirro are expected.
To build their defense strategy during court proceedings,Fox may emphasize that those responsible for airing these contested claims did not know they were false at all. If Dominion prevails in this lawsuit though,it could demonstrate how news organizations can still be held liable despite plaintiffs having to clear substantial legal obstacles.
Fox has maintained that if Dominion wins their case,it would deal a significant blow to First Amendment rights. This groundbreaking defamation suit is seen as a precedent-setting moment in law; its outcome could drastically impact both financial stability and reputational standing of America's largest cable news network—Fox News itself.
In order for jurors to side with them,Dominion must prove“actual malice” from Fox: either knowing lies or reckless disregard toward truth within their broadcasts. As steadfast advocates of free press,Fox remains confident in their legal stance, whereas Dominion presents a compelling case despite Supreme Court protections granted to press establishments.
The trial, initially set to begin with opening statements on Monday, was abruptly delayed on Sunday evening which fueled speculation of settlement talks. If the jury sides with Dominion and awards damages close to their $1.6 billion request,it would represent one of the largest defamation defeats ever for any US media outlet.
Fox has defended its actions as part of a political crusade seeking financial windfall while also claiming that such an outcome would threaten cherished First Amendment rights. Even so,the lawsuit has already tarnished Fox News' reputation by exposing dishonest practices, disregard for basic news ethics,and contempt towards their sizable audience.
As Fox News faces this $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit brought forth by Dominion Voting Systems over false claims during the 2020 election,Fox Corporation chairman Rupert Murdoch and top hosts like Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity have admitted knowledge about former President Trump’s lies regarding electoral outcomes; however,Fox denies having done anything wrong in broadcasting those claims.