Lawsuit Claims Fox Corp’s Negligent Promotion of False 2020 Election Narrative Caused Harm to Shareholders

Fox Corp., media mogul Rupert Murdoch, and other defendants have been hit with a shareholder derivative lawsuit in the Delaware Court of Chancery. The lawsuit, filed on September 12, alleges that Fox knowingly promoted false narratives of Election fraud in order to boost ratings. The complaint, which is not publicly available, is part of a series of cases that emerged after Fox settled defamation claims brought by Dominion and Smartmatic over the 2020 presidential election.

The shareholders behind the lawsuit argue that Fox had knowledge that the narrative of Election fraud was false, but continued to promote it in order to maintain the network’s ratings. They believe that this deliberate misinformation harmed the company and its shareholders. The case was filed by Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll, Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, Friedlander & Gorris, and the Oregon Department of Justice. It is identified as case number 2023-0931, titled “New York City Employees’ Retirement System et al. v. Murdoch et al.”

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The shareholder derivative lawsuit against Fox Corp., Rupert Murdoch, and other defendants highlights the ongoing legal fallout from the 2020 election. Dominion and Smartmatic’s defamation claims against Fox have already resulted in settlements. Now, shareholders are seeking accountability for the network’s alleged promotion of false narratives. If the shareholders can prove that Fox knowingly misled the public, it could have significant implications for the media industry, as well as for Rupert Murdoch’s media empire.

This case raises important questions about the responsibility of media companies to provide accurate information to the public. In an era of increasing polarization and misinformation, the role of the media in shaping public opinion is under scrutiny. Shareholders are asserting that Fox prioritized ratings over truth, and they are seeking to hold the company and its executives accountable for their actions.

The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for the media landscape and the accountability of major media corporations. As the case progresses, it will be closely watched by both shareholders and legal experts. The allegations against Fox Corp. and Rupert Murdoch are serious, and the ultimate resolution of this case could significantly impact the future of media ethics and accountability.

Original Story at www.law.com – 2023-09-14 14:54:59