Fox News host Jeanine Pirro has been formally implicated in the sprawling $2.7 billion defamation lawsuit filed by voting technology company Smartmatic, marking a significant escalation in the legal repercussions facing the network for its coverage of the 2020 presidential election.
The lawsuit, which also targets Fox Corporation, alleges that Pirro and other prominent figures at the network knowingly promoted baseless conspiracy theories that accused Smartmatic of manipulating vote counts to steal the election from Donald Trump. These claims, thoroughly debunked by numerous officials and audits, have placed the network in severe legal jeopardy.
A Pattern of Deception
Court documents unsealed in New York State Supreme Court reveal the specific allegations against Pirro. The filings accuse her of using her platform on Justice with Judge Jeanine to amplify false narratives about Smartmatic's role in the election, despite alleged awareness of their inaccuracy.
This legal action mirrors a separate, landmark $787.5 million settlement Fox News reached with Dominion Voting Systems earlier this year over similar defamation claims. The Smartmatic case is notably larger in its financial demands, seeking treble damages.
The Key Figures Involved
The suit casts a wide net, encompassing several high-profile individuals closely associated with Trump's efforts to challenge the election results. Alongside Pirro, the lawsuit names:
- Rudy Giuliani, former personal attorney to Donald Trump
- Sidney Powell, a lawyer who propagated many of the election fraud theories
- Maria Bartiromo, another Fox News host
- Lou Dobbs, former Fox Business host
These individuals are accused of being central figures in a disinformation campaign that caused severe reputational and financial harm to Smartmatic.
Fox News's Defence and the Road Ahead
Fox News has consistently defended its coverage, asserting its commitment to reporting on newsworthy allegations made by a sitting president. A spokesperson for the network reiterated that this lawsuit is a "continued blatant misuse of the judicial system and a threat to free speech."
However, legal experts suggest the prior Dominion settlement weakens Fox's position, establishing a precedent that the network can be held financially accountable for broadcasting falsehoods. The discovery process in the Smartmatic case is expected to be equally revealing, potentially unearthing more internal communications about the network's decision-making process.
As the case progresses, it continues to serve as a stark warning to media outlets about the legal and financial perils of amplifying unverified claims, fundamentally challenging the boundaries between newsworthy reporting and defamation.
