Settlement Between Newsmax and Dominion Voting Systems
Newsmax has agreed to pay $67 million to Dominion Voting Systems to resolve a defamation lawsuit connected to coverage of the 2020 U.S. presidential election. The case was scheduled for trial in October, but the settlement prevents it from moving forward in court.
Dominion, based in Denver, argued that Newsmax broadcast false claims suggesting its voting technology had been manipulated to benefit Joe Biden over Donald Trump. The company stated that these allegations caused significant harm to its reputation, led to threats against employees, and resulted in financial losses.
Financial Terms and Payment Timeline
According to a filing submitted on August 15 to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Newsmax paid $27 million immediately and will complete the remaining payments by January 2027. The settlement does not include requirements for retractions, corrections, or public apologies.
Judge Eric M. Davis, who previously oversaw Dominion’s case against another media company, had ruled that the statements aired on Newsmax were both false and defamatory. If the case had gone to trial, the jury’s role would have been limited to determining whether Newsmax acted with “actual malice” and the amount of damages Dominion was entitled to receive.
Statements and Reactions
Newsmax maintained that its 2020 election coverage adhered to professional journalistic standards and emphasized the importance of presenting multiple perspectives on election disputes. However, it also criticized some court rulings, arguing that they restricted its ability to defend itself.
Dominion welcomed the settlement, stating that it represents an important step in addressing the harm caused by the spread of false claims surrounding the 2020 election.
This marks the second significant settlement reached by Newsmax over election-related defamation claims, highlighting the ongoing legal consequences for media outlets involved in the dissemination of disputed narratives.
