High financial stakes for Fox News in Dominion defamation trial
The trial in Dominion Voting Systems’ defamation lawsuit against Fox News began on Tuesday, but the case already seems to be Dominion’s to lose, legal experts told CBS News.
Experts said Dominion has laid out a strong case against the conservative cable news giant in its depositions and court filings, underscoring the potential loss Fox is facing.
“I have never seen a case involving a public figure where the evidence of actual malice they will have to put before a jury is stronger,” retired First Amendment lawyer Lee Levine told “CBS Sunday Morning.”
Fox could face serious financial consequences if Dominion succeeds. The electronic voting company, which is accusing Fox of knowingly broadcasting baseless allegations that Dominion’s machines were rigged against Donald Trump in the 2020 election, is seeking $1.6 billion plus additional punitive damages, which are uncapped in Delaware
“That would wipe out all of Fox’s profits for 2022, when it reported net income of $1.2 billion,” CBS News reported. “Still, with about $14 billion in revenue last year and cash holdings of over $4 billion, the company has the financial might to take the hit.”
