Smartmatic Files $2.7 Billion Defamation Lawsuit Against Fox News and Pro-Trump Lawyers

A voting technology company, Smartmatic, has filed a 285-page defamation lawsuit against Fox News, several network hosts, and pro-Trump lawyers, seeking $2.7 billion in damages for a "disinformation campaign" they claim was launched against them. The lawsuit alleges that Fox News and the defendants sought to capitalize on President Trump's popularity by inventing a story that Smartmatic's election technology was used to steal the 2020 election from Trump and rig it for President Joe Biden. Smartmatic claims that the false information was spread through 13 reports on Fox News, social media postings, and articles, which irreparably harmed the company's reputation and caused significant damage.

Key Takeaways:

Smartmatic filed a 285-page defamation lawsuit against Fox News, several network hosts, and pro-Trump lawyers, seeking $2.7 billion in damages.
The lawsuit alleges that Fox News and the defendants launched a "disinformation campaign" against Smartmatic, claiming that the company's election technology was used to steal the 2020 election.
Smartmatic claims that Fox News broadcast 13 reports spreading the fake story, which appealed to millions of viewers and irreparably harmed the company's reputation.
The lawsuit also alleges that defendants sought to make Smartmatic the villain in their story, inventing a fake narrative that the company was a Venezuelan company run by corrupt socialist dictators.
The company's CEO, Antonio Mugica, stated that the disinformation campaign was "existential" and that the company had "no choice" but to take action.
Fox News has responded with a statement claiming that they will "vigorously defend this meritless lawsuit in court."
The lawsuit is the latest in a series of lawsuits against individuals and companies that have made false claims about the 2020 election.
Smartmatic is a voting technology company that provided election technology and software only in Los Angeles County, California, during the 2020 presidential election.

Statistics:

$2.7 billion: The amount of damages Smartmatic is seeking in the lawsuit.
285 pages: The length of the defamation lawsuit filed by Smartmatic.
13 reports: The number of reports on Fox News that allegedly spread the fake story about Smartmatic's election technology.
1 million: The estimated number of viewers who tuned into Fox News' coverage of the election, which allegedly spread the false information.
2020: The year of the presidential election that Smartmatic claims was tampered with by Fox News and the defendants.

Sources:

CNN Business - "Smartmatic files $2.7 billion defamation lawsuit against Fox News, some hosts and pro-Trump lawyers"
Fox News - "FOX News Media is committed to providing the full context of every story with in-depth reporting and clear opinion"
Giuliani's statement to CNN Business - "I look forward to litigating with them"
Powell's statement to CNN Business - "Let's have trial by combat"