Story perspectives

Newsmax Settles Defamation Lawsuit for $67 Million

8/20/2025

Summary

Story summary

Newsmax will pay $67 million to settle a defamation lawsuit from Dominion Voting Systems over 2020 election claims.
This settlement follows Fox News' $787.5 million agreement and a $40 million settlement with Smartmatic.
A Delaware judge found Newsmax aired defamatory statements, with malice to be determined by a jury.
Dominion is satisfied with the settlement; Newsmax claims its coverage was fair.
The case underscores legal consequences for media spreading election misinformation.

History

Historical Context

The 1964 Supreme Court ruling in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan established the "actual malice" standard for defamation cases involving public figures, enhancing media accountability. This legal precedent is significant today as seen in Newsmax's recent $67 million settlement, following similar cases against Fox News, reflecting ongoing challenges in addressing misinformation in the digital age and its impact on public trust.

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Story summary

Newsmax will pay $67 million to settle a defamation lawsuit from Dominion Voting Systems over 2020 election claims.
This settlement follows Fox News' $787.5 million agreement and a $40 million settlement with Smartmatic.
A Delaware judge found Newsmax aired defamatory statements, with malice to be determined by a jury.
Dominion is satisfied with the settlement; Newsmax claims its coverage was fair.
The case underscores legal consequences for media spreading election misinformation.

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