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Fox settles in Dominion defamation case

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Talk about denying us a grand finale. Moments before the defamation ‘trial of the century’ was due to begin, media giant Fox News announced last night it had settled the lawsuit from the voting machine company, Dominion, over its reporting of the 2020 presidential election. In a last-minute settlement before trial, the network agreed to pay £634 million, just under half the £1.3 billion initially sought by the firm. It spares Fox chairman Rupert Murdoch from having to testify but comes at significant cost and the embarrassment of the network acknowledging ‘the court’s rulings finding certain claims about Dominion to be false.’ Dominion 1, Murdoch Empire 0…

The voting company got to enjoy their moment in the sun too, with Dominion chief executive John Poulos telling a press conference that the deal included Fox ‘admitting to telling lies, causing enormous damage to my company.’ Justin Nelson, the firm’s attorney, also told reporters that ‘the truth matters’ and that ‘lies have consequences.’

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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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