Fox-Dominion trial to proceed Tuesdayafter being delayed due to COVID-19 concerns. The trial will begin with opening statements and is expected to last several weeks.
The defamation lawsuit filed by Dominion Voting Systems against Fox Newshas faced several delays since its inception. The trial was supposed to start on Tuesday, but it has been delayed yet again. Dominion Voting Systems filed a $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit against Fox News in March 2021, claiming that the news network aired false statements and conspiracy theories about the company's role in the 2020 US presidential election.
Dominion's claims were supported by various fact-checking organizations and election officials.
Fox News has denied the allegations, arguing that its coverage of Dominion and the election was protected by the First Amendment and that the lawsuit is an attempt to stifle free speech.
Eric M. Davis, the case's judge, stated in court on Monday morning that one-day delays are not unusual in such cases.
“„This does not seem unusual to me.- Eric M. Davis, the case's judge
He implied that the trial will go forward as planned, with potential jurors likely to arrive on Tuesday morning. Jury selection was supposed to end on Monday, and both sides were supposed to make opening comments, beginning off a weeks-long trial.
The trial was originally scheduled to begin on Monday, April 18, but was postponed until Tuesday, April 19, after a member of the defense team tested positive for COVID-19. The delay was criticized by Dominion, who accused Fox News of trying to delay the trial.
The trial is expected to be closely watched, as it could have significant implications for media outlets reporting on elections and other public events.
If Dominion is successful in its lawsuit, it could set a precedent for other companies and individuals to sue media outlets for spreading false information.
The Dominion v. Fox News trial was initially set to start on January 25, 2022. However, due to COVID-19 concerns, the trial was postponed until March 2022.
In March, the judge in the case, Judge Peter Cahill, granted a continuance after Fox News argued that they needed more time to gather evidence. The trial was then rescheduled to begin on April 18, 2023.
The trial was again delayed on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. The delay came after Dominion asked for more time to review new evidence that Fox News had recently produced. Judge Cahill granted Dominion's request, and the trial will now begin on May 2, 2023.
When the Dominion v. Fox News trial finally begins, both sides will present evidence and call witnesses to testify.
Dominion is seeking $1.6 billion in damages from Fox News, arguing that the news network's false claims damaged their reputation and caused financial harm.
Fox News has denied any wrongdoing and has said that their reporting was protected by the First Amendment.
As the trial between Dominion Voting Systems and Fox News begins, many are watching closely to see how it unfolds.
The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for the media industry and the future of free speech in the United States.