Fox News filed a motion for summary judgment in a New York court to dismiss a $2.7 billion defamation lawsuit brought by voting machine company Smartmatic.
The Los Angeles Times reports the lawsuit, initiated in 2021, alleges that Fox News spread false claims about Smartmatic rigging the 2020 U.S. presidential election in favor of Joe Biden, damaging the company’s reputation and business. Smartmatic claims Fox’s actions led to the loss of 100 jobs and billions in asset value.
Fox News argues in its 12-page filing that its coverage of former President Donald Trump’s election fraud allegations was not defamatory and did not harm Smartmatic’s business. The network emphasizes that “Smartmatic is not Dominion,” referencing its $787.5 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems in 2023 over similar claims.
Fox’s filing highlights alleged “ongoing reputational problems” at Smartmatic, suggesting these issues, not Fox’s reporting, caused any financial harm. The network asserts it was reporting on newsworthy events and that Smartmatic’s damages claims are exaggerated and intended to suppress First Amendment rights.
Smartmatic, in its own motion for summary judgment filed the same day, argues that Fox knowingly promoted false claims to boost ratings, causing significant harm. The company frames the case as a matter of accountability, asking a jury to determine damages for what it describes as a deliberate disinformation campaign that undermined trust in American democracy.
Both motions seek a judicial ruling in their favor without a trial, but if unsuccessful, the case is expected to proceed to trial in 2025. The dueling filings underscore the high stakes, with Smartmatic seeking substantial damages and Fox defending its journalistic conduct.
Fox News argues in its 12-page filing that its coverage of former President Donald Trump’s election fraud allegations was not defamatory and did not harm Smartmatic’s business. The network emphasizes that “Smartmatic is not Dominion,” referencing its $787.5 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems in 2023 over similar claims.
Smartmatic, in its own motion for summary judgment filed the same day, argues that Fox knowingly promoted false claims to boost ratings, causing significant harm. The company frames the case as a matter of accountability, asking a jury to determine damages for what it describes as a deliberate disinformation campaign that undermined trust in American democracy.
Both motions seek a judicial ruling in their favor without a trial, but if unsuccessful, the case is expected to proceed to trial in 2025. The dueling filings underscore the high stakes, with Smartmatic seeking substantial damages and Fox defending its journalistic conduct.
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