Dominion-Fox News updates: Settlement reached for $787.5 million

The voting company had sued Fox for $1.6 billion over false election claims.

ByAaron Katersky and Olivia Rubin
Last Updated: April 28, 2023, 5:41 PM EDT

Dominion Voting Systems, in a $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit, accused Fox News of knowingly pushing false conspiracy theories that the voting machine company rigged the 2020 presidential election in Joe Biden's favor, in what Dominion claims was an effort to combat concerns over declining ratings and viewer retention. Fox defended its coverage, dismissing the suit as a "political crusade in search of a financial windfall."

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Here's how the news developed. All times Eastern.
Apr 18, 2023, 4:20 PM EDT

Fox News 'pleased' with settlement

"We are pleased to have reached a settlement of our dispute with Dominion Voting Systems," Fox News officials said in a statement after an agreement had been reached. "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," the statement said.

Apr 18, 2023, 4:11 PM EDT

Settlement reached between Dominion, Fox News

A settlement has been reached in Dominion Voting Systems' defamation lawsuit against Fox News, Judge Eric Davis has announced in the courtroom.

"The parties have resolved their case," the judge said.

"We wish to express our deepest appreciation" to the court, a Dominion attorney told the judge.

Davis commended both teams, saying, "I've been on the bench since 2010 ... and I think this is the best lawyering I've had, ever."

Terms of the settlement were not disclosed before court was adjourned.

A press conference was expected to follow.

Apr 18, 2023, 3:22 PM EDT

Opening statements delayed

Opening statements were scheduled to get underway at 1:30 p.m. ET, but have yet to begin.

No word has been provided regarding the cause of the delay.

Neither Judge Eric Davis nor the jury are in the courtroom during the delay.

Apr 18, 2023, 1:34 PM EDT

Judge authorizes special master over potential 'discovery issues'

After sanctioning Fox News last week for a delay in turning over evidence, Judge Eric Davis has now officially authorized a special master to investigate Fox News' potential "discovery issues," according to a new order from the judge.

The order comes just before opening arguments in the case are scheduled to begin.

According to the order, the investigation by the special master will "include a determination" of whether Fox News and Fox Corp "complied with their discovery obligations."

The special master, who was previously appointed to oversee discovery in the case, is now "further authorized and empowered" to look into multiple declarations made by Fox attorneys in the case, the order says.