Smartmatic and Fox News Ask Judge to Resolve Defamation Lawsuit

Dispute Over 2020 Election Vote‑Rigging Allegations

The voting‑technology firm Smartmatic and the media conglomerate Fox News have jointly petitioned the federal judge overseeing their defamation case, urging a prompt ruling on the matter.

The lawsuit stems from a series of Fox News segments aired during the 2020 U.S. presidential election that alleged Smartmatic’s equipment was used to manipulate the vote count. Smartmatic has consistently denied any wrongdoing, stating that the claims are entirely false and have caused significant reputational and financial damage.

In their filing, both parties argue that a swift decision is essential to prevent further harm. Smartmatic contends that the continued circulation of the accusations undermines public confidence in election integrity, while Fox News maintains that the network’s coverage was protected by the First Amendment and that the case should be dismissed on procedural grounds.

The judge’s ruling will determine whether the case proceeds to a full trial, where both sides will present evidence and testimony regarding the alleged misinformation and its impact.

Legal experts note that the outcome could set a precedent for how media outlets handle allegations of election fraud and the responsibilities of technology firms in defending their reputation.