Judge Eric Davis announced the settlement once jurors were selected and the court was ready to hear initial arguments. The trial was due to start on Monday but was postponed by a day and has now been averted altogether.
Dominion Voting Systems took Fox News to court because, according to the voting machine maker, the news channel deliberately spread misinformation following Donald Trump’s defeat in the 2020 presidential election. Fox reported the allegations at the time according to where election results were allegedly manipulated via Dominion voting machines.
Murdoch doesn’t have to testify
According to the American-Canadian company, Fox editors knew there was no evidence for the claims. The voting machine maker has asked for compensation of 1.6 billion dollars (converted almost 1.5 billion euros).
Fox said in a statement that it acknowledges “court rulings deeming certain allegations about Dominion false” and that the settlement demonstrates “Fox’s continued commitment to the highest journalistic standards.” The deal also means Fox News owner Rupert Murdoch and stars like host Tucker Carlson will not have to testify.