Smartmatic Lawyer Likens Rupert Murdoch to Mafia Boss in Defamation Lawsuit
Smartmatic Attorney Draws Stark Parallels in Court
An attorney representing Smartmatic Voting Systems unleashed a vivid analogy in a recent court hearing, comparing media mogul Rupert Murdoch to a mafia boss issuing a hit order. J. Erik Connolly, representing Smartmatic in a $2.7 billion lawsuit against Fox News and Fox Corp., argued that Murdoch played a pivotal role in defaming the election technology company through Conspiracy theories surrounding the 2020 election.
Allegations Against Fox News and Murdoch
Smartmatic has accused Fox News and its parent company of spreading false claims about the company’s involvement in Election fraud. Connolly contended that Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch, top executives at Fox Corp., orchestrated a deliberate campaign to tarnish Smartmatic’s reputation, leading to a substantial decline in ratings and stock value.
Responsibility of Fox Corporation
Connolly emphasized that the Murdochs’ influence extended to Fox News, prompting executives like Suzanne Scott and Jay Wallace to propagate misinformation about Smartmatic. The attorney argued that Fox Corp. should be held liable for the defamation due to the direct involvement of the Murdoch family in shaping the network’s narrative.
Evidence of Murdoch’s Involvement
Smartmatic claims to possess concrete evidence linking the Murdochs to the dissemination of false information regarding the company. Connolly asserted that the Murdochs’ directives led to damaging interviews with Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell, perpetuating baseless Conspiracy theories surrounding the 2020 election.
Legal Battle Unfolds
As the legal battle intensifies, Fox News has sought to dismiss the lawsuit, citing First Amendment protections. However, Smartmatic remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice, aiming to hold accountable those responsible for defaming the company.
Implications of the Lawsuit
With Dominion, another election technology company, securing a landmark settlement in a similar defamation lawsuit against Fox, the outcome of Smartmatic’s case holds significant implications for media organizations and their accountability in spreading misinformation.
Final Decision Pending
While the court deliberates on the dismissal of claims against Fox Corp., the revelations of Murdoch’s purported involvement could potentially reshape the trajectory of the case, shedding light on the inner workings of media giants and their impact on public discourse.