Smartmatic and Newsmax Reach Settlement in Defamation Lawsuit
In a significant development, electronic voting machine manufacturer Smartmatic has settled its defamation lawsuit against conservative news outlet Newsmax. This announcement came shortly after jury selection commenced, signaling the urgency of the matter.
Smartmatic alleged that hosts and guests on Newsmax made false and defamatory statements in late 2020, suggesting that the company was involved in rigging the results of the 2020 presidential election and that its software was used to manipulate votes.
Newsmax’s Defense
Newsmax defended itself by stating that it was merely reporting on allegations put forth by former President Trump and his associates, including Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell. The outlet contended that the lawsuit posed a threat to free speech and journalistic integrity.
In a prepared statement, Newsmax expressed satisfaction with the resolution, indicating that it had reached a confidential settlement with Smartmatic. Similarly, Smartmatic stated it was pleased to conclude the case against Newsmax.
Details of the Settlement
While the specific terms of the settlement were not disclosed, it was reported that Smartmatic had reduced its damage claims significantly from over $1 billion to approximately $400 million. In a pretrial hearing, Smartmatic’s attorney highlighted lost revenue opportunities amounting to $369.8 million due to reputational damage caused by Newsmax’s reports.
Newsmax argued that it was simply reporting on newsworthy allegations being made by Trump and his supporters ( Image: Bloomberg via Getty Images)
This case is one of several legal actions that Smartmatic has pursued against conservative media outlets following the 2020 election. The company is also suing Fox News for defamation, asserting that it will not relent until those responsible for spreading misinformation are held accountable.
Wider Context of Election-Related Defamation Cases
Smartmatic’s case against Newsmax echoes similar defamation lawsuits filed by Dominion Voting Systems against various parties, including a notable settlement with Fox News for $787 million last year. Both companies are actively working to combat the spread of false narratives regarding their voting technologies and the integrity of the electoral process.
Smartmatic’s commitment to accountability reflects a broader effort within the industry to address misinformation surrounding the 2020 election, emphasizing that “lying to the American people has consequences.” .Vuong.
