It looks to me like the Fox lawyers have simply said:
“We’re really sorry that we got caught lying to the court. Please don’t sanction us because reasons.”
Apparently for last minute settlement talks. But how could that be possible? I was sure Fox has said this was a case of high moral principle–defending the first amendment and all that…
Given how badly the lying Fox lawyers have already pissed off the judge, and all the evidence found in discovery, it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if Fox was desperate for a settlement. If there is one, I bet it’s gonna be for major big bucks well into the 9-figure range, and Fox will be required to issue a public retraction of their accusations.
It wasn’t that long ago that the news that a small voting-technology company that nobody had ever heard of, Dominion Voting Systems, was suing Fox News for $1.6 billion seemed like a mildly humorous curiosity. Really not much more than a minor sidebar to the real news of the day.
What has changed? It’s basically that astounding and damning evidence has emerged of just how egregiously Fox has been lying to the American people. Most of us already knew that, but thanks to Dominion’s legal team, the evidence is now irrefutable. I bet no one at Fox News ever imagined that their “alternate reality” would ever face the consequences of the real one.
But Dominion’s motive for the lawsuit was to get its reputation back, not get a one-time big bux windfall. What possible motive would it have to settle now?
To quote Inigo Montoya, “I want my father back, you son of a bitch!”
A public apology and an assurance that there is no evidence that Dominion ever tampered with votes, that might go a long way toward restoring their reputation.
Getting that done quickly rather than dragging it out might be better for Dominion, as the sooner they are vindicated, the sooner they can benefit. And if Fox News avoids a trial where more dirt is uncovered, that might also be better for them as well.
Another factor is money. Fox News would likely be able to settle for less than Dominion is asking for, and Dominion’s legal team is surely not working pro bono, so they can stop the financial bleeding.
Were I Dominion, I would require more than an apology and admission Fox was wrong. I would require them to broadcast that admission during their prime time shows, best spoken by various Fox personalities such as Hannity. Not only that, but do it multiple times, say two or three times a week for a month. Something like that.
As I said in another thread, at the end of each story, the newsreader would be obliged to say, “Everything I have just said is complete bullshit intended to enrage you and vote for people who do not have your best interests at heart. Further, it makes us a lot of money.”
Sounds like Fox’s resolve is wavering. They really do not want their executives and stars having to testify. If they tell the truth, then it is a disaster. If they lie, then there’s the possibility of perjury, and it is a disaster.
There is a chance the attorneys are working on a contingency fee, or a hybrid fee. Even if hourly, most of the hours have already been put in to the case getting it this far. For the trial, maybe a million dollars more in fees and costs.
Sure, but if they aren’t, that might help answer the “why are they willing to settle” question.
I’m not sure if it’s public knowledge what their arrangement is.
is Dominion a huge corporation that can endure a long trial rather than just take a settlement?
No, I think they have something like 250 employees.
Well, it’s now less than two hours to the start of trial, so if Fox was trying to push for a settlement as was rumoured, Dominion wasn’t having it. This ought to be marvelously entertaining when major figures from Fox have to take the stand under oath, which I’m sure was what Fox was desperately trying to avoid. Telling the truth runs against everything that they stand for. I’m not sure they’re even capable of it. Even their lawyers couldn’t do it.
More lawsuits piggy-backing on top of the Dominion one …
No matter what the ultimate fine is, it won’t be enough. None of those people will have to give up their mansions, planes, or yachts. It’ll just be a little off the pile. It’s too bad they can’t be charged with the mind-fucking they did that fueled the insurrection, and still tears the country apart. Corporations are people, my friend. That one should be given the death penalty.
The jurors have been seated, 12 on panel, 12 alternates. Opening statements to start.
I would love that. With additional financial penalties if any of them later say or post something remotely like, “I had to say that as part of the settlement, but it wasn’t true.”
I’d go further and require the actual people who told the lies to give equal time to their apologies and to give them on the same venue during prime time.
And Tucker specifically should have a scrolling banner that repeats “No one should take anything I say seriously, I am a known liar and have sworn to that in court”.
Of course, since you can never trust a liar to tell the truth, we end up in a paradox.
Better yet - for the next season of Tucker (and the other shows) the shows should just be replaced with static content " This space intentionally left blank - its much more honest than the host could contribute".