Delaware Judge Rejects Newsmax’s Attempt to Dismiss Defamation Case by Smartmatic
A Delaware judge has dismissed Newsmax’s attempt to throw out part of a defamation case brought against the right-wing network by election technology company Smartmatic. Smartmatic had sued Newsmax after the network repeatedly aired false claims about the 2020 election, specifically alleging that Smartmatic’s software was involved in a plot to rig the presidential election against Donald Trump. The lawsuit was later updated to include 26 additional examples of alleged defamation, discovered during the process of Newsmax turning over “hundreds of hours” of broadcasts.
Newsmax, a smaller pro-Trump network, denies the allegations. However, the ruling on Wednesday by Delaware Superior Court Judge Eric Davis means that the additional allegations will remain in the lawsuit, dealing a blow to Newsmax. This case is just one of several pending defamation suits associated with former President Trump’s false claims about the election.
Smartmatic is also suing Fox News for $2.7 billion over the network’s dissemination of baseless Conspiracy theories surrounding the 2020 election. Dominion Voting Systems, another voting technology company, recently settled a defamation suit against Fox News for a historic $787 million. Dominion Voting Systems is also suing Newsmax over the false claims.
The rejection of Newsmax’s attempt to dismiss part of the defamation case highlights the ongoing legal challenges faced by media networks that spread false information about the election. These cases not only hold the networks accountable for their actions but also serve as a reminder of the importance of responsible and accurate reporting in shaping public opinion and maintaining the integrity of democratic processes. As these lawsuits proceed, it remains to be seen how they will impact the future of media and the consequences faced by those who perpetuate misinformation.
The outcome of the Smartmatic vs. Newsmax case will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for future defamation suits related to false claims about the election. The legal battles faced by Smartmatic, Dominion Voting Systems, and other companies represent a broader effort to combat the spread of disinformation and protect the integrity of the electoral process. The resolution of these cases may have far-reaching implications for the media landscape and the responsibility of networks to report accurate information to the public.
As the legal proceedings continue, it is crucial for media networks and journalists to prioritize fact-checking and responsible reporting to avoid spreading false information. The outcome of these lawsuits will not only impact the financial standing of the networks involved but also contribute to the ongoing discussions surrounding media accountability and the role of journalism in a democratic society.
References:
– CNN: [Delaware judge rejects Newsmax’s attempt to throw out part of Smartmatic’s defamation case](https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/20/media/newsmax-smartmatic-defamation-lawsuit/index.html)
– CNN: [Fox settles with Dominion Voting Systems for $787 million in defamation suit](https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/18/media/fox-dominion-settlement/index.html)
Original Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-08-23 07:00:00
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