Official statements from Newsmax, Smartmatic, or court documents

Newsmax Settles $600 Million Smartmatic Defamation Suit on Opening Day of Trial

Sep 26, 2024, 07:31 PM

Newsmax has reached a confidential settlement with voting technology company Smartmatic on September 26, resolving a defamation lawsuit in Delaware Superior Court that alleged the conservative media outlet defamed Smartmatic by broadcasting false claims that it helped rig the 2020 U.S. presidential election against former President Donald Trump. The lawsuit sought $600 million in damages, and the settlement was announced as jury selection was underway on the opening day of the trial, which could have posed significant financial risk to Newsmax. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but Newsmax stated, "Newsmax is pleased to announce it has resolved the litigation brought by Smartmatic through a confidential settlement." A recent ruling by the judge excluding punitive damages had reduced the potential financial exposure for Newsmax. The settlement prevents the trial from proceeding.