Media giant Rupert Murdoch finds himself under the legal spotlight as he prepares to be questioned on Tuesday and Wednesday amidst Smartmatic's whopping $2.7 billion defamation lawsuit against Fox Corp. The lawsuit revolves around disputed coverage of allegations involving vote-rigging during the last presidential race.
A Consequential Deposition in LA
An anonymous source revealed that Murdoch will be deposed in Los Angeles. However, there's no record of the proceeding on the public docket. At 92 years old, Murdoch recently stepped down from his position as chairman at Fox Corp and News Corp, ascending to Chairman Emeritus in both corporations. Stepping into his shoes is his son, Lachlan Murdoch, now the sole chairman of News Corp and Fox. Representatives for Fox News and Murdoch are being mum, offering no comment about this crucial deposition.
Smartmatic's Accusations and Fox's Counterclaims
In this high-profile clash, Florida's Smartmatic is seeking a colossal amount from Fox Corp, Fox News, and five individuals, including former President Donald Trump's lawyers, Rudolph Giuliani, and Sidney Powell, as well as Fox names Maria Bartiromo, Jeanine Pirro, and Lou Dobbs. The tech company alleges all defendants knowingly spread fallacious claims that its software was used to tamper votes in favor of Democrat Joe Biden and against Trump.
Fox has staunchly denied Smartmatic's accusations. It asserts its constitutional right under the First Amendment protections to report on pressing allegations of voter fraud to inform the public. It emphasizes that such actions are protected under press freedom. Moreover, Fox describes Smartmatic's damages claim as 'outrageous' and not supported by sound financial analysis.
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Proving "Actual Malice"
Murdoch may not be listed as a defendant, but his deposition can bolster Smartmatic's case against Fox Corp if they can establish Murdoch's hand in shaping Fox's coverage. To win, Smartmatic must provide evidence that Fox knowingly promulgated false information or was reckless towards the truth, a threshold known as 'actual malice.'
A New York state appeals court recently denied Fox's attempt to dismiss the lawsuit, stating that Smartmatic fittingly outlined how Fox 'endorsed and participated' in defamation.
Lessons from Dominion: A Preview of What's to Come?
Fox Corp and Fox News have settled another defamation lawsuit for $787.5 million with another voting technology firm, Dominion Voting Systems. This lawsuit sets a new record for publicly disclosed defamation settlements by an American media company. Interestingly, Murdoch also faced deposition in Dominion's case.
Smartmatic's lawyers might grill Murdoch about his private views on the 2020 election and Fox's coverage, hoping to determine if Murdoch wielded any influence over the network's anchors. In his deposition in the Dominion case, Murdoch admitted that he harbored concerns about Fox's election coverage but did not actively shape it.
Dominion lambasted Fox for sullying their business by broadcasting claims that their machines were deployed to manipulate the 2020 election. Fox's public statement following the settlement acknowledged the court's ruling that specific claims against Dominion were false, reflecting 'Fox's continued commitment to the highest journalistic standards."
Damage Control or Seeking Justice?
Are you caught in an unanticipated legal face-off? Every claim counts in heated courtroom battles, and having the proper legal counsel in your corner is essential. Therefore, consider seeking dedicated legal help to safeguard your rights and ensure justice is served. Don't let false claims tarnish your reputation; take a stand today!
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