The so-called Media Trial of the Century isn’t going to trial after all.
After the start was pushed back a day, followed by the selection of a jury, Fox News and Dominion Voting Systems settled their case Tuesday just before lawyers for both sides were about to give their opening arguments.
Dominion Voting Systems was suing Fox News for $1.6 billion, claiming the network had guests on air who put forth unproven lies that Dominion’s voting machines flipped the election from Donald Trump to Joe Biden and that Fox News knew the claims were not true. In addition, Dominion claims, some Fox News hosts seemingly endorsed the lies and executives allowed it all to happen to placate viewers.
After jury selection Tuesday morning and a lunch break, the lawyers were to return Tuesday afternoon to make their opening statements. The New York Times reported the lawyers even had microphones clipped to their lapels in preparation for their statements.
MORE FROM POYNTER: Fox News settles its case with Dominion: What does it all mean?
But then there was a lengthy delay with no reason given. It lasted more than two hours before Judge Eric Davis took the bench and said, “The parties have resolved the case.”
Dominion lawyers said Fox News will pay Dominion $787.5 million. Other terms of the settlement weren’t immediately known, but it might include apologies, both written and on-air. Dominion representatives did not comment on that when meeting with the media after the settlement was announced.
A settlement means many of Fox News’ top executives, including founder Rupert Murdoch and on-air personalities Tucker Carlson, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham, Maria Bartiromo and others will not have to testify.
In a statement, Fox News said, “We are pleased to have reached a settlement of our dispute with Dominion Voting Systems. We acknowledge the court’s rulings finding certain claims about Dominion to be false. This settlement reflects Fox’s continued commitment to the highest journalistic standards. We are hopeful that our decision to resolve this dispute with Dominion amicably, instead of the acrimony of a divisive trial, allows the country to move forward from these issues.”
This is a developing story. More updates to follow.
