Smartmatic, an electronic voting technology company, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Fox News alleging that several network hosts knowingly spread false claims about the 2020 presidential election. The legal action centers on statements made by prominent Fox personalities during the aftermath of the election, which Smartmatic claims damaged its reputation and business operations.
The Smartmatic Lawsuit Against Fox News
The legal battle between Smartmatic and Fox News has escalated with a significant motion for summary judgment filed in New York Supreme Court. The voting equipment company is seeking $2.7 billion in damages, alleging that Fox News deliberately amplified false claims about election manipulation during the 2020 presidential election. These claims suggested that Smartmatic’s software was used to fraudulently swing votes in favor of Joe Biden.
At the heart of the lawsuit are three Fox News personalities: Lou Dobbs, Jeanine Pirro, and Maria Bartiromo. The motion claims these hosts were committed to supporting President Trump’s election fraud theories, repeatedly featuring attorneys Rudolph Giuliani and Sidney Powell who spread unsubstantiated allegations. Despite internal knowledge that these claims were false, the network continued to broadcast them.
Fox News’ research department, known as the Brainroom, had already informed network producers that Smartmatic’s role was limited to Los Angeles County and that the company’s software was not used in voting machines. Nevertheless, the network persisted in airing these unfounded claims, allegedly motivated by a desire to maintain viewership during a challenging ratings period.
Ratings and Strategic Decisions
The lawsuit reveals internal communications that suggest Fox News made strategic programming decisions based on audience retention. After Biden’s election victory, network leadership became concerned about declining viewership, particularly with the rise of more Trump-supportive networks like Newsmax. Host Jesse Watters even texted a colleague about the potential ratings boost of going ‘ALL in on STOP THE STEAL’.
On November 8, 2020, Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan requested that Fox News Media Chief Executive Suzanne Scott address the network’s rating decline. Internal performance analytics reportedly concluded that giving the audience more election fraud content was the solution to stem viewer loss.
This approach reflected a broader panic within the network about losing conservative viewers to more radical right-wing media outlets. The strategy involved continuously platforming election fraud claims, despite knowing their lack of substantive evidence.
Quick Facts: Election Fraud Claims
Smartmatic’s lawsuit highlights several key allegations about Fox News’ election coverage. The network is accused of knowingly spreading false information about vote manipulation, including claims that: • Smartmatic software was used in Dominion voting machines • Millions of votes were altered • The election was systematically fraudulent.
These claims were repeatedly broadcast despite internal knowledge of their inaccuracy. The lawsuit suggests this was a deliberate strategy to maintain viewer engagement during a politically volatile period.
The network’s defense argues that their reporting was newsworthy and protected under the First Amendment, while also attempting to minimize potential damage claims.
Legal and Professional Consequences
The lawsuit alleges that Fox News took dramatic steps to appease angry viewers and maintain its conservative audience. This included reportedly firing political analyst Chris Stirewalt and Washington bureau executive Bill Sammon after they called Arizona for Biden on election night.
Fox News previously claimed these departures were part of a routine reorganization. However, the lawsuit suggests Rupert Murdoch personally approved their dismissal to placate viewers who felt betrayed by the network’s election night coverage.
This lawsuit follows a similar $787.5 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems in 2023, indicating a pattern of legal challenges related to the network’s 2020 election reporting.
FAQ: Understanding the Lawsuit
Q1. What is Smartmatic seeking in this lawsuit?
A1. Smartmatic is suing Fox News for $2.7 billion, claiming the network’s false election fraud claims damaged its business reputation and expansion opportunities in the United States.
Q2. How has Fox News responded to these allegations?
A2. Fox News maintains that its reporting was newsworthy and protected by the First Amendment. The network is challenging the lawsuit by attempting to highlight potential issues with Smartmatic’s own business practices.
The lawsuit represents a significant legal challenge to media reporting standards and the potential consequences of broadcasting unverified claims during politically sensitive periods.
Strategic Summary
The Smartmatic lawsuit against Fox News represents a critical examination of media responsibility during politically charged moments. The case highlights the potential legal and reputational risks of prioritizing ratings and audience retention over factual reporting.
While the lawsuit is ongoing, it has already revealed significant internal communications that suggest a calculated approach to maintaining viewership through controversial content. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for media accountability and journalistic standards.
Ultimately, this legal battle underscores the delicate balance between press freedom, editorial responsibility, and the potential harm caused by spreading unsubstantiated claims.
※ This article summarizes publicly available reporting and is provided for general information only. It is not legal, medical, or investment advice. Please consult a qualified professional for decisions.
Source: latimes.com