"Judge Allows Fox News to Proceed with Counterclaim in Smartmatic Defamation Suit"

A New York judge ruled that Smartmatic's defamation lawsuit against Fox Corporation, parent company of Fox News, can proceed, dealing a blow to Fox's leadership. The lawsuit stems from Fox's repeated airing of 2020 election lies, with the judge finding that Smartmatic's case is strong enough to proceed against the parent company. Smartmatic is seeking over $2 billion in damages and the case is still in the discovery phase, with major depositions taking place. The judge also allowed Fox News to continue its counterclaims against Smartmatic, alleging that Smartmatic's damages request is an attempt to silence the network's free-speech rights.